Weather Watch: Big blows bowing out as summer edges in

Bullying winds toppled this tree on to a North Shore house. Photo / Doug Sherring

Those spring winds drive us around the bend sometimes. Since the start of September the gales have been fairly consistent. I have received dozens of emails and comments from New Zealanders desperate to know when the winds will ease.

Well, there are a few hints that the big strong spring winds may already have peaked. That doesn't mean calm conditions from now on but we expect to see a gradual reduction in windy days, and the intensity of those winds.

The first hint that the winds may have peaked is a recent change in our weather pattern. We are seeing more lows forming around the Tasman Sea and to the north.

We're also seeing more signs that summer is approaching. Hands up how many people have had to mow their lawns more often lately? WeatherWatch.co.nz ran a story this week which said some people are now mowing their lawns twice a week. This is because of the rain we've had on top of more, warmer sunlight.

Waikato resident Janice Wilton, who owns Wilton Contracting, says the recent weather hasn't affected business. "Continual rain is the worst weather for us and other painters. The windy weather has helped sweep those rain fronts through".

However, Janice is tired of the wind and rain of late. "I like to get outdoors to walk the dog and stay fit so really windy days tend to be a nuisance but I battle through anyway!"

Historically, November says goodbye to winter and you get the feeling summer is just around the corner. But for some regions real summer weather sometimes doesn't arrive until January.

The long-range models predict a few subtropical lows. The fact they are forming is a sign the highs that have dominated the Tasman and north of the country are easing. Some of these may now, instead, cross over us rather than hover nearby.

So, all this means calmer conditions and better weather, but cooler nights and more average highs, as windy weather often boosts the highs in our eastern regions.

Don't expect summer temperatures to roar in just yet - but those spring winds will perhaps have less bite and soon become more of a whisper.