Although the run in to Christmas looks primed for settled weather, MetService is forecasting boisterous spring-like
conditions for the upcoming weekend.
MetService meteorologist Tom Adams explains, “Classic spring weather is high pressure to the north and a strong
subtropical jet. This drives westerlies with embedded fronts over much of the country and that’s what we see this
weekend.”
Auckland lies under that high pressure, so will be warm and mostly dry. However, the roaring jet aloft means that high
cloud will be a common occurrence, although there should be plenty of sun in the gaps. Then from Monday onwards low
cloud and humidity get added to the mix. The same can be said for much of the North Island, although western areas like
Hamilton – who will be hosting the first Test Cricket match for the Black Caps since Covid-19 struck - can expect a few
showers later on Saturday. The Downtown Shakedown taking place in Wellington on Saturday will see strong northwesterly
winds, with some rain or showers in the afternoon, but will have all of Sunday to dry out and even a brief break in the
wind.
The South Island also meets its spring stereotype square-on, with periods of rain in the west and a few showers drifting
over to the east with a risk of thunderstorms Saturday afternoon. The gale westerlies currently racing over the far
south are on an easing trend into the weekend.
The extended spring will continue into the start of next week, with another period of rain likely mid-week, but from
Thursday onwards settled conditions set the trend for a more stable and summery run in to the holidays.