“That will move away to the south-east [today], so we’re seeing a gradual easing and clearing trend across the North Island,” he said.
Sunday would be largely fine for most of the South Island, though Bellam cautioned about lingering cold temperatures, with below-average temperatures across the country at the weekend setting the stage for a notable cold outbreak on Wednesday.
“[Sunday] we’re seeing temperatures below normal for the north and east of the North Island - but inland parts of Otago are looking quite summery, with temperature forecasts in the mid-20′s for Wanaka and Alexandra for Sunday.”
Prior to the coming chill, he said temperatures were warming up significantly for parts of the eastern South Island come Tuesday, though the warmer weather was expected to give-way to the cold on Wednesday.
Bellam said temperatures for most of the South Island would linger around the mid-teens on Wednesday, with Invercargill forecast a high of 13 degree C, with Ashburton and Christchurch only marginally warmer at 14 degrees.
Beyond temperature fluctuations, Bellam outlined potential weather risks for the upcoming week.
Monday seems to pose a minimal risk of severe weather, offering a brief respite before Tuesday introduced a different scenario.
A front on Tuesday may bring rain to specific areas, with the possibility of severe gales in regions like Wellington and Southern Wairarapa.
By Thursday, stability was anticipated to return, with a relatively calm Friday in store for most of the country.
