21-Feb-2005
A Sunny Week Says MetService
MetService meteorologists are forecasting an extended period of dry sunny weather for most of the country this week. The
only exceptions are a front brushing past the southwest of the South Island on Wednesday and Thursday and isolated
showers for the eastern parts of Northland.
"The large high-pressure system over the nation has become slow-moving," commented MetService Weather Ambassador, Bob
McDavitt. "Its exit to the east is being delayed as a large depression, formally cyclone OLAF, makes its way out of the
tropics. This means plenty of sunshine for most of us, and also a moderate swell rolling into our northeastern beaches."
The dry weather is increasing the fire risk. Marlborough has been the driest area this month with only 3 wet days so far
Karl Majorhazi of New Zealand Fire Service says that it is already dry enough now in several areas so the fire risk will
continue increasing. "Fire Services will be on the lookout for periods of localised wind and low humidity which make
fires very difficult to control. It is far better not to have fires start at all."
McDavitt added that although light winds are being forecast for the next few days, it looks like the South Island is in
for increasing northwest winds this weekend ahead of a front finally arriving on Sunday or Monday.
ENDS