Forecasters are warning of a return to “cold and wet” weather for much of New Zealand next week, as some regions are now enjoying a break from chilly conditions.
Some southern regions have experienced their warmest temperatures in months with a northwesterly flow bringing warmer air, but forecasts suggest the respite won’t last.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said “all eyes are on a weather system arriving next week” — tipped to bring colder and rainier conditions.
The active trough in the Tasman Sea is forecast to spread across southern and central New Zealand, bringing rain to many areas.
Makgabutlane said: “It looks to bring rain to the South Island from early Monday morning and spreading to the North Island later in the day. While the heaviest rain areas are still to play for — Otago, Canterbury and Marlborough are possibilities.
“Colder air accompanying this system will cause a noticeable drop in temperatures and potentially heavy snowfall for the South Island on Monday and Tuesday and lesser amounts possible for the North Island’s central plateau.
“The upcoming chill might not break winter records, but it will feel stark compared to the current warmer temperatures.”
If deemed necessary, weather warnings would be issued closer in time to next week.
Feeling warm in the south? Expect rain soon
The northwesterly flow currently bringing warmer air to parts of the country will also bring wet weather towards the end of the week.
“This same flow spells the approach of a weather system set to bring wet weather to the western South Island, with a heavy rain watch in effect for Friday and Saturday,” Makgabutlane said.
“Other areas might see brief showers over the weekend.”
In Fiordland, a 27-hour yellow heavy rain watch has been issued from 9pm on Friday.
This week, parts of the South Island have seen their warmest temperatures for months.
Yesterday, sunshine brought double-digit temps to Alexandra for the first time in weeks, while Dunedin experienced its warmest temps in nearly two months at 17C.
Forecasts for the rest of today and Friday promise similar temperatures for parts of Southland, Otago and Canterbury.
“Ashburton could reach 18 degrees, though still shy of their July record of 21.6 degrees. Invercargill may however surpass its July record with a forecast 17 degrees,” Makgabutlane said.
People are advised to stay updated with the MetService website for the latest forecast on next week’s weather conditions.