Summer-like weather will continue on into April for some north and eastern regions – but for the west of the South Island and the south of both islands we can expect a more Autumnal weather pattern to lock itself in a bit more now.

What does that mean? It means more weather coming from our west and south west. More westerly quarter winds and quite likely more windier, changeable, days…which hopefully will bring more rain to our driest regions.

For the areas still in official drought this forecast isn’t exactly perfect – as westerlies can be quite dry for the east, however caught up in the west to south west flow will be a few weak-ish lows – and these are all likely to cross or affects parts of the country over the next 7 to 10 days.

The next better chance for rain or showers in the South Island will be on Sunday then into the North Island on Monday.  Another weak low may also cross New Zealand around next Wednesday with hit and miss rain and showers – not widespread for all regions but still helpful.

Generally speaking there’s still more dry weather than wet weather coming for the rest of March – and warmer rather than colder air. 

This Saturday morning is the equinox – the truly final end to summer and as of Sunday the nights will become longer than the days.  This means no matter what is happening with the weather pattern the days are going to be getting shorter and therefore cooler slowly…and that’s usually brings a higher chance for rain to New Zealand.

By Philip Duncan, head weather analyst
– WeatherWatch.co.nz