15-Aug-2005
The Highs Of Winter
MetService meteorologists report that it now looks as though New Zealand has gone through the coldest part of the year.
"Each week is bringing a higher maximum temperature," commented MetService Weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt. "Last week
the top was 19 Celsius, reported in Napier on Friday afternoon, and in the next few weeks one or two places will sneak
into the low twenties."
McDavitt went on to explain how this year's winter has been dominated by anticyclones. "After the current anticyclone
moves off on Tuesday, another is forecast to move in after Thursday with settled weather into the weekend. These
anticyclones have been bringing dry conditions with warmer days and some frosty mornings. Many places had a moderate
frost this morning and Christchurch Airport reported a seven degree frost."
"There could still be a sting in the tail of winter with a chance of one or two significant cold snaps and snow dumps.
The nights are still longer than the days, and, although the highs are dominating this week, the weather pattern usually
changes during the month."
ENDS