The weather pattern is finally shifting and breaking away from the relentless westerlies to more southerlies – but also more rain out over the Tasman Sea.

August’s first half is mostly defined with low pressure in the Tasman Sea being replaced by a very big high. This will drift towards New Zealand with the cyclonic flow initially wrapping around the country and driving in rain to drought affected Canterbury.  While the rain will be cold, turning to heavy snow in the mountains and ski fields, it will also be welcome to farmers and growers – with some areas potentially receiving some decent totals in the next 7 days.

But it’s not going to last too long – with the following 7 days seeing high pressure dominate – then rain mostly returns to the western side of the country.

Check out the rainfall totals for the next 14 days courtesy of the US Government:

– WeatherWatch.co.nz