The windy weather which has already moved in is likely to bring dry and mild weather conditions for eastern New Zealand says WeatherWatch.co.nz.

From Canterbury to Gisborne, the eastern side of the country is likely to miss out on the bulk of rain despite well over a dozen fronts expected over the coming week.

Weather Analyst Richard Green says the Southern Alps block the rain and dry the air out. “The fronts move in from the west, the clouds build up on the Southern Alps and all the rain falls over the West Coast. As the air pushes over the ranges the friction heats its up and that drys it out even more – and dry air heats faster”.

Mr Green says eastern areas may receive a few spits, but overall Canterbury, Marlborough, Wairarapa, Hawkes Bay and Gisborne should be fairly mild and dry over the next week.

Meanwhile the windier weather means a lack of frosts across the country. Most of New Zealand will be frosts free for several days, which will certainly contribute to another warmer than average month – although western areas should be closer to average.

The air is expected to get cold next week as the north west to west wind flow tilts more southerly. 

If the second half of July is especially cold that would balance out the warmer start – but at this stage there is no indication of a sustained southerly outbreak.

– Homepage image / File, Ron Symons

– WeatherWatch.co.nz