The last weekend of July is almost here and the forecast this coming weekend looks the most settled we’ve seen nationwide so far this month – and it’s all thanks to high pressure.

A strong and large high pressure system will take the entire working week to drift towards New Zealand from Australia – but by Sunday it should be centred over the nation bringing light winds and mostly dry weather to New Zealand.

The forecast will come as good news to Northland residents who are still dealing with complications from significant flooding two weekends ago – but more rain may be coming for them afterwards (see end of story). 

WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan says Saturday sees the high moving in and Sunday it should be covering both islands.  “By Friday evening it will be over the Tasman Sea and by midnight Saturday the centre will be moving in across New Zealand”.

“THis weekend will be the best for many regions in some time, a great chance to finally mow lawns, wash laundry and get outdoors things done”.

Mr Duncan says Saturday will see a few showers in the deep south of the South Island and far east of the North Island.  He also says the high may bring in cloudier weather for some western coastal areas.

“On Sunday the anticyclone looks likely to be firmly centred over the entire South Island and will have a protective ridge over the North Island too”.

Highest risk for any potential showers would be East Cape on Sunday with the fading southerly, and rain or showers around Fiordland.

MORE HEAVY RAIN FOR NORTHLAND
And an early heads up from WeatherWatch.co.nz to those in Northland – another sub-tropical low looks likely early next week.  Tuesday looks highest risk for more heavy rain (and sorry, it has rain warning potential) and a burst of strong winds.  This one may be wetter than the low that passed by this past weekend, with the potential for more widespread heavy rain, so certainly one to watch – but still a bit too far out to lock in yet.

On top of the recent deluges WeatherWatch.co.nz says those that do end up being exposed to heavy rain in the region will have a “moderate to high” risk of flooding and slips.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz