General Overview:
- Wet and cool conditions persist across Aotearoa New Zealand as the new year begins, with glimpses of settled weather over the weekend.
- By Monday, the South Island and western North Island are forecast to have drier, brighter weather.
Weekend Weather:
- North Island: Rain clears in some areas between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, except for Tairāwhiti/Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, where rain persists until Saturday night.
- South Island: Generally brighter, though Marlborough, Canterbury, coastal Otago, and Southland may see occasional showers. Westland and Fiordland enjoy the sunniest conditions.
Temperature Outlook:
- Southerly winds bring cooler-than-average temperatures across much of the country.
- Sunday’s highs: Wellington 14°C, Christchurch and Dunedin 15°C, Napier and Hastings 18°C.
Monday’s Forecast:
- South Island: Settled and sunny, a promising start to the workweek.
- North Island: Cool showers persist in the south and east, with isolated showers elsewhere.
Advice for Holidaymakers:
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- Despite cool conditions, there will be enough dry periods for outdoor activities.
Mixed Bag Across the Country
- North Island: Rain eases in many areas between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, except for Tairāwhiti/Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, where rain lingers until late Saturday. The Wairoa District faces a Heavy Rain Watch from midday to 11pm Saturday.
- South Island: Brighter weather dominates, although Marlborough, Canterbury, coastal Otago, and Southland may see occasional showers. Westland and Fiordland stand out as the sunniest regions.
Cooler Temperatures Settle In
Southerly winds will keep temperatures well below seasonal averages, with highs on Sunday reaching only 14°C in Wellington, 15°C in Christchurch and Dunedin, and 18°C in Napier and Hastings.
Monday: A Brighter Outlook for Some
The South Island begins the workweek on a positive note, with settled, sunny weather expected. In the North Island, the weekend’s cool showers persist in southern and eastern areas, while isolated showers affect other regions.
For holidaymakers, meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane offers encouragement:
“There will be plenty of dry slots throughout the day to enjoy outdoor activities.”
Prepare for a mixed weekend of weather, with moments of sunshine to brighten the start of the year.
