It was 22 degrees in Timaru Tuesday and 21 in Christchurch and for Wednesday it will be the North Island’s turn as a strong to gale nor’wester kicks in to gear. 

The warm weather – a very typical sign that Spring has arrived – is due to the strengthening flow over the country caused by a large high to the north and a deep low to the south.

Most exposed to the wet weather during Wednesday will be western and central parts of New Zealand with winds in the central and eastern parts.

Highs in the low 20s are possible from Gisborne all the way down to Canterbury.  However like Tuesday it’s likely to be in ‘pockets’.  While it was 21 in Christchurch it was just 12 in Akaroa and 14 in Kaikoura.  Localised heating, caused by nearby hills/ranges will have a big impact on temperatures across the nation throughout Wednesday.

The rough weather is likely to last until the end of Thursday in the North Island and Friday in the South Island then easing for Saturday – however it’s scheduled to return again by Sunday. 

It’s clear we’re now in spring with these weather patterns and the lower North Island and entire South Island are often the most exposed to this dramatic weather.