Summer lingered well into Autumn for many regions this year, however the low that hit at the weekend did more than just bring down rain – it was also the green light for Autumn to move in.

Already the weather pattern is shifting – with the highs retreating back to Australia.  In fact, a number of highs in April failed to really push over New Zealand as they weaken further and instead remain stuck around Australian waters.

This bodes very well for the end of our official droughts – it means more rain makers are coming and when we don’t have a low nearby we are now seeing extensive showers.

As early as January WeatherWatch.co.nz said the developing “big dry” – which was ridiculed by National Radio at the time – would most likely weaken as we moved into April.  The reason why?  Because the drought was created by a stream of highs that aren’t normally so repetitive.  A bit like pulling out of a normally quiet street and having to wait for a line of traffic that isn’t normally there.   In other words – we knew it was there, but knew it wouldn’t be lingering forever.

So the highs are now clearing – the rain makers are returning – and while farmers in the east could do with even more rain many parts of New Zealand can now sleep easier knowing the “big dry” of 2013 seems to now be finally coming to an end.

– Homepage image / File, David Hawke

– By head weather analyst Philip Duncan

– WeatherWatch.co.nz