For those hanging out for an Indian Summer this year it looks as though you’re going to be out of luck suggests WeatherWatch.co.nz.

The weather news authority says the very unsettled weather pattern that has plagued New Zealand this summer looks set to continue well into March.

The word ‘unsettled’ in forecasting terms refers to constantly changing weather patterns, meaning most weather systems won’t linger for more than a few days and that allows for a greater chance of rain, wind and cloud.

WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan predicts a mixture of everything.  “While we don’t expect weeks of sunny weather we do see some very big highs which are likely to bring in some hot summer-like days, but also in the mix are big lows, very windy days and the tropics are looking active too”.

Mr Duncan says March can often be a changeable month with long hot days and short, sharp, stormy ones. 

“I think the weather we’ve been seeing over New Zealand for the past couple of weeks will continue on for the first few weeks of March”.

The long range forecast will most likely be welcome news for dairy farmers but possibly not for grain growers who are wanting dry weather.

The forecast will also be unpopular with summer lovers who have overwhelmingly felt “ripped off” according to comments frequently posted at WeatherWatch.co.nz and on our interactive Facebook page.

Humidity levels in March will be up and down, but for the most part should be around average.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says March will likely see a few thunderstorms too as the traditional mix of hot and cold air masses occurs over New Zealand.

– Homepage image / File, Lightning over Auckland City, Brendan Quaife

*WeatherWatch.co.nz will have a more detailed long range forecast for March next week

– WeatherWatch.co.nz