High pressure systems are lining up like planes waiting to land say forecasters at WeatherWatch.co.nz, with long range models predicting a number of large highs from the Indian Ocean coming towards New Zealand in coming weeks.

The weather news authority describes some of the highs as “very large” – and they are mostly predicted to cross New Zealand in the coming weeks.

The highs are generally moving in from the Indian Ocean, tracking to the south of Australia but bringing settled weather to Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne before stretching across central New Zealand.

Highs can bring sunny, calm weather at the centre – but often windy and sometimes wet weather around the outer edges.  The bigger the highs, the greater the air pressure gradient surrounding them  – which can also lead to windier weather either side of the centre.

Long range guidance suggest these highs will continue like this for the rest of April.

The line of incoming highs is fairly solid  however there is still plenty of wiggle room for lows.

The most likely area for incoming lows, fronts and wind is when one high departs and before the centre of the next high has moved in.  However the general trend looks as those these highs will continue – as they have been since mid-March.

Meanwhile the tropics and Southern Ocean are both expected to show more signs of life towards late April and early May.

Check out the maps for yourselves – up to 14 days in advance – click here to view

Image / Thursday April 17 shows a number of highs moving in from the west / ECMWF

– WeatherWatch.co.nz