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.
ends