Bye-bye Winter and hello Spring

1 September 2016

Bye-bye Winter and hello Spring

September heralds the start of a new season as we bound from winter into spring. MetService Meteorologist Peter Little commented, “It looks like we’re going to have a very typical start to spring this year, with a mixture of fine and wet weather forecast for most places over the coming days, accompanied by swinging temperatures and gusty winds.”

Northwesterly winds strengthen today ahead of a frontal system that moves onto the lower South Island this evening, then weakens over the North Island during Friday. While this feature brings a period of rain to western parts of the country, the northwesterly winds ahead of the front are expected to turn up the temperature in eastern areas.

“A Watch for heavy rain is in force for Fiordland, the Ranges of Westland and the Tararua Range, plus for severe northwest gales about Wairarapa and inland parts of Canterbury. Meanwhile, on Friday temperatures could reach twenty degrees in eastern parts of the country, such as Canterbury, Hawkes Bay and Gisborne”, said Mr Little.

On Saturday, a narrow ridge of high pressure sees fine weather return to most regions, with morning frosts likely about inland parts of the South Island. On Sunday, a low pressure system and its associated front move onto the country from the Tasman Sea. This weather system brings further rain, mainly to western areas, with heavy falls likely on the West Coast of the South Island. In addition, another period of gusty northwesterly winds and mild temperatures are likely in the east.

“If you’re planning outdoor activities around the weather this weekend the best time will likely be Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning”, added Mr Little.

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