Final Forecast – issued 5:20pm,  New Year’s Eve, December 31st, 2008.

By Philip Duncan.

SO…what is happening Tonight?  

Wind:  Well as we mentioned last week there’s a front approaching from the Tasman Sea but we expect it to fall right apart as it approaches the North Island tonight.  A very large low in the Southern Ocean is responsible for it and that low will tonight press against higher air pressure in the north.  That’s going to create a ‘squeeze zone’ over the country so strong winds are likely from about Canterbury to Taranaki.  Wellington will be especially exposed.

Rain:  Rain will move in to western and southern areas…so places like Invercargill, Queenstown and the West Coast will be the wettest places. 

Showers:  You’ve probably heard the talk of a “wet” New Year’s Eve for the North Island.  I think summing up the day’s weather with one word isn’t accurate.  It’s certainly not going to be a wet day for most people who are on holiday.  Showers are in the forecast for places like Nelson, New Plymouth, Waikato and Auckland…but in our latest weather data this morning the chances of it being dry all day today has gone from 70% to 90%!!

Of course for this evening that percentage drops a little…but really only for places south of about Waikato.  Northwards it’s still going to be drier than wetter.

I don’t think they’ll be enough to ruin the day but they could be more of a nuisance for those having a BBQ or enjoying events outdoors…but only if you’re unlucky enough to even get one.   

To be honest our rain tracker updates this afternoon will be the most accurate weather information you’ll find for tonight….and in this update there’s still nothing on the radar and certainly nothing significant expected north of Waikato tonight.  From Kapiti to Taranaki there’s an increased chance but I think the wind will be more annoying than any showers.

Hot & Dry:  Most of our popular party spots should be dry.  The Bay of Islands, the eastern Coromandel Peninsula, Mt Maunganui, Gisborne, Napier, Taupo, Marlborough Sounds, all of Canterbury, coastal Otago – they are all looking sunny and hot. 

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5:20pm Rain Tracker: 

The skies are still mostly clear over New Zealand in this final update.

Rain is still falling across Southland, Queenstown and it’s moving up the West Coast – where there are heavy falls.  MetService has issued rain warnings for the West Coast.

The Tasman Sea front, as we predicted, is falling apart as it approaches the North Island however we do still anticipate showers later, especially between Nelson and Taranaki. 

 

Happy New Year!