Summer set to be hotter than usual
But forecasters don’t predict records to be broken like last year
Remember last summer? The ocean dips that were more like taking a bath, hot humid days and the great fan shortage.
It’s too early to say if the sun will shine on Christmas Day but weather forecasters say it’s “unlikely” this summer will break any heat records.
Forecasting scientist at Niwa Chris Brandolino said there was one thing this summer was going to make itself known for — variability.
“Last summer it was the hottest summer on record. You could have blindly took a day in that three months and that day would have been warm. This summer there will be variability and each month will be its own person.”
Early indications are that temperatures will be warmer than average but it is unlikely to be hotter than last summer, he said.
A combination of a marine heatwave last summer and La Nina weather pattern saw the perfect conditions for the record-breaking summer.
The average temperature was 18.8C, which was 2.1C above the 1981-2010 average, Niwa said. The previous record was 18.5C in the 1934-35 summer.
Brandolino said we could look forward to more warmer weather in the run-up to Christmas and then it would become more unsettled.
“At this stage we can’t say what the weather will be doing on say Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.
“This week has been pretty wet and it will be wet this weekend but then Thursday was beautiful and sunny — and that is a good example of how variable it can be. You can still have a good hour in a bad day.”
And the humidity felt in the past few days was set to continue for the next week.
The MetService said the first week
Last summer it was the hottest summer on record.
of summer would be anything but golden. Showers were likely today “almost everywhere” and unsettled weather was expected throughout the week.
Meanwhile, fingers are crossed there is not another repeat of last summer’s “great fan shortage”.
In January and February as the mercury bubbled away, New Zealand sold out of oscillating fans.
Temperatures of 30C and above were common with reports of some people paying up to $600 for a fan to combat the heat.
This year, retailers prepared for demand.
Merchandiser for Noel Leeming Jason Bell said fans were particularly sought after last year.
“We placed a larger order this season and they’re proving popular, with a 25 per cent uplift in demand compared with this time last year.” are better The Topp Twins switched the Christmas lights on in Auckland’s most festive street, unveiling dazzling displays on Ponsonby’s Franklin Rd.
Every year, residents light up their houses from December 1 until Boxing Day. A different home is chosen each year to be the first to light up. Dame Lynda and Dame Jools flicked the switch at this year’s chosen home last night.
Organiser Ross Thorby said they were a great choice for the honour.
“They perfectly encapsulate the spirit of Franklin Rd,” Thorby said.
“They’re a whole lot of fun, a little bit cheeky and very naughty.
Thorby encouraged everyone to take the opportunity to enjoy the experience. “We hope Aucklanders will take time out at a very busy time of the year to walk up and down Franklin Rd, to watch the lights and listen to the carolers and soak up some Christmas spirit.” Lights remain on until 11pm daily.
Chris Brandolino