Cool change, showers and wind to start weekend

New Zealand is forecast to have miserable weather across the country for the start of the first weekend of February as temperatures drop and showers and wind afflict much of the country.

MetService meteorologist Stephen Glassey said although watches and warnings have not been widely issued, it’s still going to be very windy for much of the North Island.

“There is a strong westerly flow moving over the country, bringing with it showers,” he said.

“Expect it to be very windy today even where there aren’t watches or warnings in force.”

A heavy wind watch has been forecast for Taranaki from 10am to 5pm today, with MetService saying westerly winds “may approach severe gale in exposed places”.

Glassey said windy conditions are forecast through the central North Island, especially around Tararua District and central Hawke’s Bay, as well as in Ta¯maki Makaurau.

“There is a strong and higher than normal wind anomaly for most of the North Island.”

High winds are predicted for Auckland’s Harbour Bridge from 10am until 2pm. This follows New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s strong wind warning issued for the bridge yesterday evening.

Glassey drew attention to a lowpressure system crossing the country from the southwest, bringing rain, showers and possible thunderstorms.

“Lots of places over the North Island and the South Island can expect more showers, but they will ease by the end of the day, turning into more isolated showers,” he said.

The wet weather would arrive earlier in the South Island than the North Island.

Glassey warned New Zealanders should all expect chillier weather today, with temperatures falling significantly from the balmy highs the country has been experiencing over the past two weeks. Auckland hit a high of nearly 30C on Wednesday — the hottest day in four years.

“The north of the North Island should experience temperatures in the low 20s, the central and bottom of the North Island places like Manawatu¯, Hawke’s Bay and Wellington will reach the high teens.”

He said the weather should clear up, with winds easing, by tomorrow as a ridge of high pressure arrives.