MetService afternoon weather update: March 20. Video / MetService
A tropical low tracking towards New Zealand could trigger a dramatic shift to windy, wet conditions across the North Island.
MetService said this weekend is the autumn equinox, which marks the start of astronomical autumn and a dip in temperatures.
Conditions will remain sunny and settled for most before ashift from next Tuesday.
MetService meteorologist Paris Marshall told the Herald a tropical low is coming down towards New Zealand, which has the potential to affect the upper North Island and the West Coast.
She said the weather models are “disagreeing” at this stage about exactly where the wild conditions could hit, but the worst is likely to come on Wednesday.
Marshall said some models suggest the West Coast will be in the firing line for the system, and others say the weather could be confined to Northland and Auckland.
“It really depends on how the guidance will shape up in the next couple of days ... there’s also a chance it might miss us entirely,” Marshall said.
A tropical low tracking towards New Zealand could trigger a dramatic change in the weather. Photo / MetService
“I do think there’s a lot of people who are already worried about it, and I can totally empathise, with what’s already happened this summer.
“For the people who are wary about the next coming severe weather, for now, it’s just potential,” Marshall said.
‘Loads of sunshine’ for most
MetService said a settled weekend with “loads of sunshine” is on the cards for most of New Zealand as a ridge of high pressure settles in.
It said many of the events this weekend will have clear skies, but there is a chance of showers for Synthony in Auckland or Nightglow in Waikato.
On Sunday, MetService said, a band of rain will sweep through Southland, but with the high pressure firmly in charge, there is minimal risk of severe weather for the next few days.
Marshall said Auckland is in for a 25C high tomorrow and on Sunday, before it drops slightly to 23C on Monday.
Wellington should expect a high of 17C tomorrow and 19C on Sunday, and Christchurch is in for highs of 18C and 21C.
MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley said temperatures are starting to feel like autumn.
“The days are getting shorter and cooler; toadstools are beginning to pop up under the trees; and we’ve had a few foggy starts around the country as the ground cools more overnight.”
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