Rough start to the long weekend
Hamilton city looks like it will avoid the worst of a cold, rainy start to the long weekend.
But, districts to the south and on the coast won’t have it as good with heavy rain and gusty winds forecast for Thames and Coromandel on Saturday and for Taupō and Tokoroa on Sunday.
According to MetService meteorologist Clare O’Connor, Friday will be the coldest day of the Easter break in Hamilton with a maximum day time temperature of 17C and an overnight low of 5C.
Friday will see some showers in the morning, which will clear by the afternoon.
It’s almost the same story for Saturday and Sunday with showers forecast for both days but maximum day time temperatures of 19C and 22C respectively.
Monday and Tuesday see the return of the sun to Hamilton with day time temperatures reaching 23C and 22C respectively.
O’Connor said a cold front was working its way up the country from the south accompanied by cold, gusty winds and heavy rain in some parts.
“So there will be short bursts of showers for all of the North Island on Friday, and those weak cold fronts will bring a few bursts of showers and heavier rain to exposed parts of the Coromandel and the east coast.”
O’Connor suggested people heading outdoors should wear an extra layer of clothing to combat the cold winds and lower temperatures, especially in places like Taupō and Taumarunui.
“Our modelling seems to agree it will be much wetter on the east coast and the eastern parts of the Waikato and Coromandel.
“It’s not the most ideal start to long weekend for sunshine, and depending on how strong the southerlies are it will feel a bit chilly.”
O’Connor said while there were no weather warnings in place at this stage, high winds could cause problems in the central and coastal areas of the North Island.
But, there’s good news for those looking to head out on Sunday and Monday.
“Most places will have their average temperatures come back to normal at the end of the weekend and on Sunday and Monday a ridge of high pressure blows the cold front away.”