What the weather has in store on election day

When you head out to vote this weekend the weather is looking settled although a little nippy at first - and we can blame Wednesday's Antarctic blast for this.

Snow fell to sea level in Southland which is the first time that's happened in November since 1978 - so where's all that cold air gone now?

Well, it'll be sinking into the valleys so expect more frosty weather in the South Island especially southern and inland regions. That's because we have a high pressure system moving over us and it'll "lock in" the cold stuff.

But the November sun packs a punch so things should warm up pretty quickly - and with light winds expected in most areas if you're outside the sun should be pretty warm on your back.

Skies will be mostly clear too - just some scrappy coastal cloud in all the usual places.

Sunday is looking pretty good too, especially the North Island. Our next spring low will be approaching the South Island on Sunday and the nor'wester will crank up again in the east and rain will move in to the west.

A low coming down from the sub-tropics north east of New Zealand may bring in some rain to East Cape - but really it's not looking too likely at this stage. The high that's over us should keep it out east but if you are heading out on your boat just be aware the sea may be rougher than the weather overhead.

As I expected last month November is proving to be more "spring like" than October and September. The current weather pattern seems to consist of deep lows moving over or near the South Island - bringing plenty of rain to the west coast, dry, windy conditions to the east coast - and showery weather for much of the North Island.

Philip Duncan

Pictured above: Getting ready for election day on Saturday. Photo / Michael Cunningham




For the latest weather news keep up to date with The Radio Network's new Weather Watch Centre or the NZ Herald weather section.