At the end of July WeatherWatch.co.nz announced an early start to spring and as we come to the end of the first week of August the weather appears to be still backing us up.

Temperatures this week will be approaching 20 degrees in the east and late teens in the north as a spring like westerly flow kicks in.

“In Spring we have a lot of nor’westers, westerlies and sou’westers – that’s pretty much the August forecast” says head weather analyst Philip Duncan. 

Despite some southerlies in the forecast – and the start of next week looking cooler – there are still no signs of any major winter blasts coming our way.  “It really does seem that winter has ended early this year, just like some parts of Australia including Sydney”.

WeatherWatch.co.nz say spring is defined by life, with things growing again, animals being born and buds starting to bloom – across the country these have been taking place for weeks.

Snow storm risk
An early spring doesn’t mean no more snow. In fact September is a high risk month for snow storms.  But we see no evidence of any immediate polar blasts for New Zealand and are closely watching the Southern Ocean.  We don’t want to give false hope that the cold is finished – but the chances of any prolonged wintry blasts are now starting to drop.

“Once you hit mid August the days are warming up again, the sunlight hours are rapidly growing and the window for winter being brutal to New Zealand is quickly closing” says Mr Duncan.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says there is a “moderate” risk of a snow storm this month and next, as our chaotic weather pattern continues.

Farmers know all too well the snow risks in early spring – but the warmer weather will be helping grass growth and helping quickly give more strength to new born lambs.

Image / Peter Shone

– WeatherWatch.co.nz