Some people may be struggling to work out if the long weekend promises good or bad weather as a storm well south of New Zealand surges up for the start of the long weekend.

Latest data to hand still backs up our forecasts from this week – that the further north or north east you are the better the weather will be for holidaymakers.

FRIDAY
Rain for the West Coast moves into the North Island’s western coastline during the afternoon and the reast of the island tonight.  It’s not a major front for northern areas with the bulk of the rain falling along the South Island’s West Coast earlier.  Winds will be strong to gale on Friday across exposed inland areas of the eastern South Island and central areas of NZ. Flights have already been affected in Wellington today.

SATURDAY
Conditions improve for most of the North Island after morning cloud or showers in a few areas.  Winds will ease too for many, but may linger around Wellington.  The winds surge up again later in the day.  Wet and windy weather, continues for the South Island’s West Coast and for southern areas, although should be mostly dry north of Dunedin in the east. 

SUNDAY
Winds return to the North Island with gusty to gale force winds continuing around central New Zealand / Wellington with winds easing late in the day.  However the wind flow means far northern and most eastern areas of the North Island will be mostly sunny and warm.  In the South Island the wind flow turns more south westerly and temperatures will drop across many areas.  Coolest weather will be on the West Coast, Southland and Otago. 

LABOUR DAY MONDAY
Strong winds ease in most areas and winds tilt south west for many places.  A mix of sun and cloud around the country and a few showers here and there – otherwise easing and fairly dry across NZ generally speaking.

AIR TRAVEL
With gales forecast for Wellington there could be some delays for smaller aircraft Friday to Sunday but at this stage we don’t anticipate widespread issues with winds down on recent gale events. Airlines have already had some cancellations/delays so please do check the forecasts and your airline and airport websites prior to travelling!

RETURNING HOME
Conditions look pretty good on Monday for most travellers returning home – however with a spring storm in the Southern Ocean at the moment it will pay for people to keep up to date with the latest forecasts, weather news and potential warnings this long weekend as some forecasts may change a little as we continue to fine tune yet another chaotic spring weekend!

– WeatherWatch.co.nz