KEY POINTS:
Well it's gone from "when's winter arriving?" to "when's this horrible weather going to end?!".
I have to admit, I'm always very careful about the language I use to describe the weather. To me this weather isn't horrible it's fantastic. I'm sure the power companies and ski field operators agree. Some farmers would agree too. And for those who love a good old fashioned winter storm the past few days have been awesome! For those who dream of living in a tropical paradise this must be a living nightmare!
It's certainly been cold this week and a change in the wind direction (from south west to more south east) will see temperatures dropping even further this weekend. In fact, it's going to be a very cold weekend right over New Zealand.
The wind direction will mean showers and cold air from the Southern Ocean will spread over the South Island's east coast. From Invercargill to Kaikoura daytime highs will be lucky to reach 8 or 9 this weekend and with that wind chill it'll feel even colder - maybe more like 5 or 6!
Wellington will feel the cold southerly blowing in through the harbour but those in Kapiti and Manawatu will see more sunshine so it'll feel warmer. And for those north of Central Plateau don't be fooled into thinking it will be much warmer - as those southerlies blow towards you they'll travel over snow capped mountains and ranges keeping them well chilled.
Plenty of highs in the 10's, 11's and 12's for this part of the country. That's quite a few degrees down on last weekend.
So when will we see sunny skies and calm winds again? Well a ridge of high pressure should start to squeeze over the country late on Sunday allowing clear skies and light winds to spread over much of New Zealand. Of course clear skies will mean big frosts but also ideal skiing weather.
So whether the weather is fantastic, horrible or "couldn't care less" it's so far setting a text book example of what this season should be like.
Philip Duncan
For the latest on this winter storm keep up to date with The Radio Network's new Weather Watch Centre, the Newstalk ZB weather website or the NZ Herald weather section.
