The weather at the moment across many parts of New Zealand could be described as stunning – light winds, clear skies – or maybe just a few clouds. Dry or mainly dry.  The large high (or anticyclone) creating this weather will remain over the country for another day or so – and another big high returns next Monday and Tuesday to most places (after some long-weekend rain).

With the large highs come settled weather – by that we mean lighter winds and a lower risk of severe weather.  While highs don’t guarantee sunny weather (many coastal areas in New Zealand may notice this from time to time with the dreaded ‘anticyclone gloom’), the high we have this week, and most likely next week, should have plenty of sunny weather and light winds.  

However the clouds make all the difference to if you feel warm or cold.

If we have a cloudy day with a high pressure system, especially in April when the nights are longer than the days, we have a ‘cool’ feeling day. But a mainly sunny day can be ‘warm’.  A cloudy night keeps the daytime warmth in, like a duvet in the sky. But, a clear night in April means you may find yourself thinking ‘winter is coming’ as the daytime heat leaves.  For an especially cold day in April a cloudy day followed by a clear night would make for a cold home, most likely!

A recent poll we ran at WeatherWatch.co.nz showed 18% had already experienced one frost, or more, so far this April. 68% said they haven’t had one and 9% reported they live in a frost-free part of New Zealand all year round.

So what do you think? Are the nights getting cold now?  Or are you still finding it warmer than usual?  Share your comments/observations where you are.

– Image, a stunning sunset over the Waitakere Ranges this month / Ian Ray

– WeatherWatch.co.nz