A dry spell which is currently setting in across New Zealand may linger until the start of May for some regions predicts WeatherWatch.co.nz.

The forecaster says the big high over the country is one of the strongest we’ve seen this year and will linger well into next week.

Some rain is possible next week.   Some computer guidance suggests a brief showery risk for north eastern parts of the North Island around Tuesday as an east to north east flow on the top side of the high (northern side) blows in some moisture from the sub-tropics.  But confidence is just 25% at this stage.

A more significant chance for rain comes after Anzac Day as our current high moves east over the Pacific and off New Zealand and the rain clouds that have been affecting Queensland and New South Wales this week drifts towards us.

However long range models suggest the chance for rain is patchy at best.

Some farmers have indicated to WeatherWatch.co.nz that a day or two of rain would now be welcome, while grape growers want the dry, sunny, weather to linger for another two weeks at least.

However those who don’t rely so heavily on frequent rain events are telling WeatherWatch.co.nz they are loving this weather. – that it has been the best so far this year.

Autumn often sees a mix of week long highs but usually an increase in fronts from the west and south – which generally have been scarce lately.

Many of our readers are suggesting summer has finally arrived – despite the fact that temperatures have been plummeting to near zero at night in some inland areas and mid single digits as far north as Auckland.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says the current weather is typically Autumnal and that temperatures overall are about average.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz