Mixed bag on weather front

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

MetService is forecasting a mix of weather for the last week of  the month, leading into a windy and cool start to February, and has given its outlook for Waitangi Day.

The latest MetService note says the mix of weather is due to a low pressure system situated north-east of the North Island, which is bringing wet weather to Tairāwhiti/Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay.

“This system will retreat mid-week, making way for a ridge of high pressure . . . but by Friday, a fresh set of fronts from the Tasman Sea will introduce gusty winds and cooler temperatures for the following days.”

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says the low pressure system that brought Sunday’s rain to the North Island moved off to the northeast of the country, but continues to feed moisture on to Tairāwhiti/Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay.

The Gisborne area had just over 20 millimetres between Sunday and yesterday, bringing the month’s total to around 70mm.

A watch for heavy rain was issued for Wairoa from yesterday to this morning.

Makgabutlane said the rain was likely to persist into Wednesday, but at lesser intensities.

MetService says the coming weather will bring a temperature drop, starting over the South Island on Friday and reaching the lower and central North Island by Saturday.

For those planning an extended weekend ahead of Waitangi Day, MetService says early indications suggest a ridge of high pressure is poised to bring settled weather next Monday and Tuesday for almost all of the country. — RH