Slip, slop, slap — it’s a scorcher
Golden summer forecast, and it could be one for the record books.
It’s time to pull out the togs and slap on the sunscreen — a golden summer awaits New Zealand. After much of the country bathed in sunshine for most of last week, the wet and windy weather returned on Friday. But things are set to improve next week and beyond as Kiwis get set for the festive season, says WeatherWatch analyst Philip Duncan.
“With a weak La Nina now in force it may become a little more noticeable in December as the traditional spring westerlies start to fade back and La Nina’s more typical east to northeast winds move in more often.”
The first week of December will be a bit unsettled but with a mix of sunny warm days, Duncan said.
“In fact, the first part of December looks generally mild with average to above average temperatures possible in the north and east.”
He does sound a warning though — summer is set to be humid in the north. Friday was a particularly humid day, with Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Whangarei all at 96-99 per cent humidity, with temperatures in the low 20Cs.
Weather analysts are also tracking the high-pressure systems which, for the most part of spring, have been to the north of the country feeding in nor’westers.
As we go through December these highs may sink further south across New Zealand bringing more settled and dry weather to the South Island.
More good news is Christmas Day looks like being a scorcher for most places in the North Island. And if La Nina strengthens, those holidaying in Queenstown could be in for a stunner.
“The heat records broken in New Zealand already across 2016 indicate if we get a nor’west event out of Australia it could see eastern areas perhaps challenging the record books for the highest temperature recorded,” Duncan added.