TODAY IN REVIEW

Officially the first day of Spring and the timing was executed perfectly as the temperatures hit the 20’s today. warm Nor’ west winds, gusty particularly in the south saw rain along the alps and the West Coast but dry, warm weather on the lee side of the alps.

WARMEST

Canterbury has recently been in the headlines for their chilly days in the last 10 days, but over two successive 24 hour periods, the thermometer has climbed into the low 20’s. Timaru was the warmest centre with 21 degrees, Christchurch, Lyttleton and Ashburton also scored 20 and were fanned by the warm Nor’ wester.

COLDEST

As is often the case when the Nor’wester arrives, the West Coast gets the rain and that was reflected in the temperatures. Haast, only a week ago was in the 20’s, today though, under murky skies, made 13 along with Hokitika and further north surprisingly, Rotorua.

MAIN CENTRES

Aucklanders enjoyed 17 degrees today, Hamilton hit a maximum of 16, Wellington made 15, Christchurch 20 and Dunedinites had a warm 18.

TONIGHT AND TOMORROW

It doesn’t happen often but Napier and Hastings could be the nippiest centres in the land tonight with 4 or 5 degrees possible. Most of the country however should experience a relatively mild evening, with double figures remaining in some places.

Tomorrow may not be too different to today. Warmest and driest weather in the east from Gisborne to Dunedin but the moisture should keep falling on the West Coast, keeping temperatures to a minimum.

Weather Analyst Richard Green

Why wait until the six o’clock for the day’s weather extremes when you can read it here first! The Daily Debrief, each day and exclusive to the Weather Watch Centre.