Dry weather is spreading across northern regions as the summer highs start their slow trek southwards over the rest of the country.

In September these highs were running north of New Zealand – allowing the big strong westerly flow south of the highs to spread over the country, especially the South Island (and especially Canterbury).

In October the highs dipped a little further south – bringing drier weather to northern New Zealand while keeping the gales frequently blowing through central and eastern areas.

Now in November the highs are continuing to drop further and further south – meaning the dry weather in the north may set in further while at the same time bringing drier weather to other regions southwards. It also means more breaks in the gales for central New Zealand.

WeatherWatch.co.nz, in our monthly forecast for Fonterra, predicts that northern and north eastern parts of the North Island will be some of the driest regions this month.  Some rain is in the forecast – in fact at least once a week there is some rain making risk, but at this stage nothing widespread and substantial.

The West Coast will continue its recent spell of wet weather with heavy rain returning again at times in the first half of November.

As for droughts – the summer weather pattern for 2013/14 is similar to last summer. For that reason, we are advising farmers – especially in northern and eastern regions – to be prepared for a drier than average summer.  While this neutral weather pattern we’re in can create rain makers, the risk for getting stuck in a prolonged dry spell this summer is certainly there.

– Image / File, Trish Bailey

– Story by head weather analyst Philip Duncan

– WeatherWatch.co.nz