Prepare for big cyclone, warns MetService

New Zealand needs to prepare for a big cyclone that is expected to hit during the summer, MetService meteorologist Steve Ready said today.

"Between now and the end of May, nine tropical cyclones are expected to form in the South Pacific.

"This cyclone season is shaping up to be one where the equatorial Pacific Ocean is neither having an El Nino nor a La Nina."

Mr Ready said the "neutral years" in the past have seen notable cyclones such as Gisele in April 1968, which sunk the Wahine, Bola in March 1988, Fergus at the end of 1996, and Drena that hit in January 1997.

On average cyclones hit New Zealand about once a year, but Mr Ready warned that "this is the season we really have to be more aware than others".

MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said the cyclone forecast was not affected by the cold outbreak that has hit parts of the country recently.

"This cold air is just a brief setback to the warming track. The southerly winds will be replaced by warm northerlies by the end of week, and just in time for the first month of summer," Mr McDavitt said.

- NZPA