KEY POINTS:
Southern Ocean Low:
The first day, in fact the first few days of 2009, are going to be dominated by a big low in the Southern Ocean. In fact it's this low that's created strong, hot, winds from the northerly quarter creating temperatures close to, or above, 30 degrees right up the nation's east coast.
That low will continue to bring north west winds across much of the country today and tomorrow - so get ready to enjoy some more hot weather especially if you're in Northland, eastern Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, the Marlborough Sounds, Canterbury and Otago.
Wet Weather:
A very weak front will lie draped over northern and north eastern New Zealand today while another weak front clears the South Island and moves into Kapiti/Manawatu. Both fronts will only deliver a few showers. Hot, humid, weather in the afternoon may create a few isolated heavy inland showers but I think they'll miss most populated places - and certainly most holiday spots.
Overseas:
More winter storms are blasting the USA and Canada. Yet another snow storm through the Great Lakes area means a number of cities like Detroit, Buffalo and Toronto will be in for a white and cold start to 2009. More bitterly cold weather is on the way for much of America and Canada over the coming days...a sign that this winter may be another nasty one.
Your Comments:
Are you happy with Summer so far? Let us know!
Next Update: Friday morning.
- Philip Duncan
Photo: Liam Horgan celebrates the joys of a hot summer's day in Auckland. Kiwis around the country can look forward to good weather today. Photo / Paul Estcourt
