A cold change in the south yesterday is already fading today while those in the north had another night that was above average with highs closer to 20 degrees in the upper North Island.

The warmer weather means both daytime highs and overnight lows will be above average for large parts of New Zealand for the next few days and it’s all thanks to high pressure east of the country creating a sub-tropical north east flow here. It’s also going to mainly dry, great for those loving the extended summer weather (after December was so wet) but not great for those facing drought conditions.

This flow is more humid and is pulling down air from north of NZ over the coming days and nights.

Overnight lows in northern NZ will be hovering around 19 and 20 degrees in places like Auckland and Whangarei – it should be a great mild Friday evening tonight for many ending the week.

In the lower South Island, around 1500kms closer to Antarctica, it’s also warmer than normal especially by day with highs in the mid 20s still, despite the cool down yesterday in coastal areas.

Over the next few days some places will be in the mid to late 20s inland. 

While warm weather looks set to continue for at least another 10 days (and with mainly dry conditions too) there may be a slight cooling in the overnight lows next week – compared to the next few nights when they should be at their mildest.

– Saturday 1pm temperature map / Weathermap

– WeatherWatch.co.nz