December weather expected to fluctuate

WELLINGTON: While December started with stormy weather, the rest of the month is expected to fluctuate between settled and unsettled bouts.

The wet start to December followed by an upcoming settled spell is the sort of variability the rest of the month could see.

According to Niwa’s Seasonal Climate Outlook for December to February, this month will most likely see bouts of settled and unsettled weather between weeks.

Niwa meteorologist Ben Noll said the week leading up to Christmas, starting next Monday, looked like it would begin to turn unsettled to the west of New Zealand, over the Tasman Sea.

‘‘This could mean that a few fronts move across the country, bringing some rainfall and cloudiness. Some of the moisture could streak down from the tropics and be heavy.

‘‘A northwesterly or westerly wind flow is also most likely, which could mean that the highest chances for dry weather will be found on the east coast of both islands, particularly the North Island.’’

Temperatures will most likely be on the warmer side in the North Island, and a bit cooler in the South Island.

‘‘Of course, Christmas Day could deviate from the general pattern described above — even in a busy weather pattern there can be a day or two that has more tranquil conditions,’’ Mr Noll said.

Over the next three months, near normal summer rainfall is to be expected for most regions.

However, the north of the North Island has about equal chances for below normal or near normal rainfall and the west of the South Island has about equal chances for above normal or near normal rainfall.

Sea surface temperatures in coastal waters during the next three months are placed to be above or near average.

The month of January could be the month of the summer with favourable weather. — RNZ