September has been a cold, wet, month for a number of regions with easterlies dominating many areas for the past week or two…now with October almost here the easterly pattern is fading and we’re heading back to a more ‘traditional’ spring set up.

Head weather analyst Philip Duncan said the recent easterly change has been just what New Zealand needed.  “Dry eastern areas of both islands have, for the most part, seen significant rain relief in the past week, meanwhile western areas have had plenty of sun and warmth – either way it’s a good recipe in spring for grass and plant growth”.

Mr Duncan says the first week or so of October sees westerlies returning for many regions which encourages more rain on the West Coast, more cloud and wind in the North Island’s west coast and a generally drier, sunnier, pattern for eastern and north eastern areas of both islands.

This Thursday and Friday a cold front will move northwards bringing the west to south west change behind it and a wet Friday to a number of northern centres.

Over the next two weeks New Zealand is impacted by surges of strong westerly quarter winds with rain events more focused on the South Islands West Coast, drier weather in the east, and a lack of low pressure systems crossing New Zealand – something that was more frequent in September.

October can be one of the most changeable and stormy months of the year – so a calm start to the month doesn’t always mean a calm four weeks ahead.

– Image / File, WW
– WeatherWatch.co.nz