Warm temperatures return with some rain for top of the South Island

Settled conditions are expected for northern New Zealand this week, but there is some rain on the way for the South Island.

A slow-moving ridge of high pressure is forecast to bring mostly settled weather across northern New Zealand this week. However, a trough is expected to move slowly up the South Island during the week, bringing rain to most places and reaching the lower North Island on Friday.

MetService meteorologist Raveen Das said, “The most significant rain is likely to fall across the northern half of the South Island during Wednesday and Thursday, which will be welcome news to farmers and fire-fighters but not so good for those trying to make the most of the outdoors and time off school in that area.”

“The team at MetService are watching this situation closely and will continue to update forecasts as the event approaches,” added Das. He advised those thinking about heading out into high-country areas to be prepared for changeable conditions.

A warm, humid northwest flow is expected to precede this trough, bringing a return to warmer temperatures. The warmest spots are forecast for eastern areas of the country during Tuesday, with maximums in the Marlborough region likely to exceed 30°C.

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