Typical spring westerly to hit

Weather patterns over New Zealand are set to change gear rather sharply for the start of October.

MetService meteorologist Georgina Griffiths says the country hasn't yet seen the typical westerly gales that start spring - but that's about to change.


The MetService is forecasting westerly gales for the month of October. File photo.

'We expect more westerly winds than usual over the country during October.”

After an unusually cold September, eastern regions of New Zealand should finally enjoy some spring-like temperatures in the westerlies.

'October temperatures are predicted to be average to above average in the east of both Islands. This will be a welcome change,” says Georgina.

'In comparison, temperatures are forecast to be below average for western areas of the country in October.” Recently, the west and south of the South Island enjoyed an extended dry and sunny period, as highs parked over the south of New Zealand.

In contrast, easterlies produced significant rain for the eastern North Island, eastern Marlborough and north Canterbury.

It was the fifth wettest September for Gisborne Airport (183mm, records began in 1905) and the wettest September for Napier Airport (171mm, records since 1950).

Wairarapa, eastern Marlborough and north Canterbury also picked up useful easterly rain.

Masterton and the Kaikoura Coast totalled about 130mm in September; Cheviot recorded 80mm, while Culverden clocked up around 30mm.

'The rainfall patterns over the country are also set for a rapid switch as we enter October,” explains Georgina.

'Rainfall for the west and south of the South Island is likely to return to more normal levels in October, while the remainder of the country is predicted to see a drier than normal month.”

You may also like....

0 comments

Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.