Our first national holiday in almost half a year is nearly upon us – and the forecast is fairly typical for the October long weekend says WeatherWatch.co.nz.

The weather news authority says there will be a large high in the picture – but it will be centred north of New Zealand, allowing for lows to challenge it from the south.

Head Weather Analyst Philip Duncan says holidaymakers should prepare for some rain, but the data at this early stage is leaning towards dry and windy for many regions.  “It looks as though we’ll have a large high trying to spread towards us from Australia but it may be a little too far north to fully protect the country.  That means we’ll see a battle between low and high pressure directly over us and that can mean windy weather”.

The latest forecast shows a high in the north Tasman Sea bringing mostly dry weather to northern and eastern New Zealand.  However a a weak low and south west change on the Friday and Saturday could see a few showers mostly in the west and south.  Chance of rain is 60% for the South Island and drops to 30% as you head north. 

“Generally speaking there is a moderate risk of showers on Friday and Saturday then mostly dry for Sunday and Monday but perhaps a bit windy for central and southern areas” says Mr Duncan.

WeatherWatch.co.nz will bring you a detailed forecast next week, with updates, as we head towards the first national holiday since the start of winter.

– Homepage image / Zelda Wynn

– WeatherWatch.co.nz