After a brief southerly flick yesterday and overnight, it looks as if the country will be bathed in sunshine again today.

Temperatures look as if they’ll be starting to warm up after a crisp start in some places.Some single digit overnight lows have taken place but for those who have to put up with a bit of a nip in the air, the sunshine should soon see the warmth return.

It looks as if Gisborne and Wellington might possibly see a shower this morning and also some cloud may hug the eastern and southern coasts first thing, otherwise a lovely day should be on the agenda today.

Now for those wanting rain, it doesn’t appear too likely in the forseeable future. The west and south of the mainland could see a little rain or one or two showers move in on either Friday or Saturday (and the chance of Southland seeing a late shower tomorrow with a brief souwester) but the rest of the nation should be in the clear.

Rainfall and sunshine totals will be interesting to see as the month draws to a close. Christchurch could break an all time January record for sunshine hours, if the next 3 or 4 days provide the sunshine expected.

Rainfall figures suggest it’s been very dry in some centres…

January rainfall totals up till 9am on the 27th January at selected locations( mm)

Westport        0 

Kaikoura        6

Nelson           9

Whangarei   11

Napier           11

Timaru           12

Masterton     18 

To go against the trend, Invercargill has recorded 125mm so far.

Temperatures have also been very high and the monthly averages should be considerably up for a typical January. The 30s have been topped frequently and the mid to upper 30s have also been recorded regularly.

What’s it been like at your place? Do you have any figures or thoughts on how the month has been in your area?.If you wish, please post below!

Weather Analyst – Richard Green