A large high pressure system over New Zealand has 1 last day with us before it departs our shores and moves out into the Pacific Ocean (overnight tonight/Monday morning).  That means todayis going to be a relatively warm and sunny day – especially for the regions that missed out yesterday, such as Wellington.  In fact, central and east coast regions will have the best weather for Sunday but even northern regions, which will be the first to feel our next weather system, will have a relatively dry and warm day.

So what is this ‘next weather system’?  Well it’s a depression which formed in the Tasman Sea over the last couple of days and it will arrive hot on the heels of our departing high.  Of course a low next to a high means winds will be pickimg up – but for those who didn’t think much of the cold southerly across Auckland yestday, today’s wind will be from the north east. 

The cloud cover will spread down from the north during Sunday (check out the satellite image on the right hand side of this page showing plenty of cloud in the Tasman)

Showers will develop late on Sunday across Northland with showers or rain developing overnight and into Monday in Auckland.  The low will cover much of New Zealand by tomorrow so rain or showers should spread to most places…but next week is looking like a much wetter one and that could cause further headaches for properties in high risk landslide areas.  The dry weather last week may even make things worse for some creating cracks in the ground and allowing even more rain to be absorbed.

The low has the potential to cause some isolated heavy rain falls so we’ll update you during Sunday afternoon and of course in to Monday to let you know if your area will be affected.

By the way, we’re keen to see how you’re making the most of the spring weather – send us your photos and we’ll publish them online!  Just use the “Share Your Photos” link on the right hand side of this page!

Story by Head Weather Analyst Philip Duncan