According to a decade of polling at WeatherWatch.co.nz Autumn is New Zealand’s favourite season, but what if it’s kicking off with a lot of low air pressure? The latest two week outlook from WeatherWatch.co.nz says the first half of March may well be dominated by low air pressure, encouraging more cloud, drizzle and areas of rain.

Reliable long range models pick at least four low pressure systems in the New Zealand area between now and the middle of March.

There are no sudden major cold snaps in the forecast at this stage either. A two day cool down is likely in parts of the South Island next week otherwise these low pressure systems may encourage more sub-tropical airflows and downpours.

Daytime highs in the North Island vary between the low 20s and late 20s over the coming 10 days.

There are some big high pressure zones but so far they are mostly restricted to the Australia area and east of New Zealand – placing us in a vulnerable area for lows to form or move in to.

– Image / Wind and air pressure map for March 1st – low air pressure shows up in purple / Earth.nullschool.net

– WeatherWatch.co.nz