The political climate may be good for Labour now, but will the elements be kind for a winter election?
The Government is gambling on the weather, as well as voter support, by calling a July election.
Politicians will be hoping the weather gods don't deal them a bitter snowstorm like the one that swept the country on July 27, 1999.
Some Canterbury schools and roads were closed by flooding, snow fell heavily in North Canterbury, and temperatures dropped to minus 5C. Ferry sailings were cancelled, Wellington was rocked by southerly gales, and snow closed the Desert Road.
It was not a good day for luring voters away from the fireside and into the polling booth.
Similar storms buffeted Wellington and Wairarapa on July 27, 2000.
Conventional wisdom has been that Labour voters are reluctant to head to the polls in rough weather.
But a vicious winter storm could see National's traditional rural heartland supporters literally snowed under.
- NZPA
Feature: Election 2002
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Auguries of snowstorms
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