After three weeks of sub-tropical activity over northern New Zealand the weather pattern is now about to change.

WeatherWatch.co.nz predicts the next 10 days will be dominated by more westerlies and the chances of sub-tropical development remains “low”.

More highs in the Tasman Sea and North Island will combine with deep lows in the Southern Ocean creating windier weather and much hotter weather in the east of both islands.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says that La Nina weather favours more easterlies, cloud and drizzle for eastern areas and the change to westerlies could be welcome news for those still on holiday.

It’s possible that the westerly flow will, at times, be strong, with windy weather especially likely around central and southern New Zealand.

This is the weather map for next Friday, showing a severe tropical cyclone hitting Queensland but a large high over much of New Zealand.  Note there are no lows north of New Zealand.  The westerly winds (indicated by yellow and green) in the Southern Ocean will build up and next weekend may see some very high temperatures across eastern New Zealand, from Dunedin to Gisborne.

Image / ECMWF

Homepage image / File, Foehn Mackenzie