June was absolutely a month of mild weather for many parts of the country, with no nationwide repeats of the polar blast we saw at the end of May and plenty of milder than average, humid, sub-tropical air for many parts of New Zealand.

Now July is upon us and as we tick over into the second half of 2014 the forecast is one of more rain and wind.

“The start of this year was so dry for many northern areas especially, now we’re seeing the rain clouds pile in with one front after another” says head weather analyst Philip Duncan.  “The ground in the north was dry and cracked a few months ago – now it’s becoming wet and muddy”.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says the forecast for July sees a mix of warm northerlies from the sub-tropics still, but we also expect more southerlies this month – good news for ski fields desperate for more snow.

“July sees more wind, rain and snow than June by the looks of it” says Mr Duncan.  “And those in Auckland and the upper North Island should be prepared for another possible very wet nor’easter around July 9 or 10”.

A number of long range models show a possible big rain maker in the second week of July affecting much of the country, especailly northernand western areas of both islands, with plenty of windy weather in the mix too, with blustery conditions right up to possibly damaging gales.

“We have one high for New Zealand in the first half of July – the rest of the weather is windy, changeable and fairly wet”.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says July may have more severe weather events than June did based on current maps.  Another high may roll in for New Zealand later in Week 3.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz