The weather may not yet be bad at many popular beaches around New Zealand but sea conditions are going to get slightly more dangerous over the coming weeks predicts WeatherWatch.co.nz.

Temperatures at many of the nation’s busiest beaches – mostly in the upper North Island and top of the South Island – have remained in the mid 20s lately with sea temperatures still fairly mild too.  But while conditions over land may continue to be mostly settled, despite the odd rain band, conditions out at sea are changing significantly.

Low pressure systems are developing around the country, well offshore, and as we head further into Autumn  the strong winds created between lows and highs will drive in bigger waves and stronger rips.

Next week a deep low in the Southern Ocean and a potential ex-tropical cyclone could be responsible for some big swells which will lead to large waves and dangerous rips right around New Zealand.

Lifeguards are no longer operating at many beaches now that summer has officially ended.

WeatherWatch.co.nz advises swimmers simply to be aware of the latest marine conditions and to be aware of rips on beaches – often marked as a calm patch of water where waves aren’t as big. 

A snapshot of the swell situation on Tuesday next week / WeatherMap.co.nz

– WeatherWatch.co.nz