Sunny end to working week but wet weather on the way

Thursday 3 May 2018

A ridge of high pressure lying over the country today persists through Friday before being displaced by a series of fronts during the weekend. Sunny, settled weather is expected across much of the country today and tomorrow before getting progressively wetter through the weekend.

“Much of the country will experience sunny, settled weather as the working week comes to an end, apart from the West Coast and Gisborne which will see cloudy periods and a few showers,” said MetService Meteorologist Ciaran Doolin. “Clear skies and light winds are the key ingredients for cold nights. Most places saw overnight temperatures in the single digits last night, and this is set to continue tonight and Friday night. The coldest towns overnight were, in the North Island, Masterton at 0 degrees and, in the South Island, Culverden at 0.6 degrees,” he explained.

“On Saturday, a front spreads a band of rain up the South Island, with heavy falls expected on the West Coast. The east coast will avoid the worst of the weather until evening, with high cloud and warm northwesterlies the prevailing condition. The North Island will be sunny in the north, with areas of cloud and isolated showers affecting central and southern parts of the island. That’s good news for all those keen folks participating in the Rotorua Marathon!”

“The front moves up the North Island on Sunday, though weakening as it goes, bringing a brief period of rain to many areas. Meanwhile another front spreads rain up the South Island, with some heavy and possibly thundery falls on the West Coast and far south,” said Doolin. It’s an improving trend into early next week with much of the country seeing a fine day with brisk southwesterlies. However, periods of rain look to continue for the South Island’s western and southern coasts.

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