New Zealand started 2017 with droughts developing in a number of regions. By March things were wet and by April most of the country is much wetter than average.

So it’s hardly surprising, after a saturating several weeks, that New Zealanders are desperate for a winter that brings them frosts, sunny skies and some snow.

A combined 73% of those who voted want a “cold, frosty, snowy” yet fairly “dry, sunny, settled” winter.

While you need clouds and moisture for snow, if you have a cold enough winter you only need a few big dumps and the snow will linger.

New Zealand has also had a trend of temperatures being warmer than average, even some records breaking, over the past several winters leading to some WeatherWatch.co.nz readers telling us it feels like winter doesn’t truly exist anymore. So again, the poll results aren’t a big surprise with most Kiwis liking all four seasons being clearly defined.

We’ll have a better idea as to how winter 2017 will shape up in about one month from now – and while April has been very warm for some regions there is a cold snap coming over Sunday and Monday and then perhaps and even colder southerly this coming Thursday to Saturday as we head towards winter which starts in June.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz Weekly Polls