Wintery Weather On The Way

Autumn has undoubtedly made its presence felt, ushering in notable temperature fluctuations and an increase in southerly winds. The influence of El Nino has been evident in recent weeks, manifesting as a consistent pattern of southwesterlies affecting the southern and western regions of the South Island, while the eastern areas experience comparably drier conditions. 

As the week draws to a close, a substantial cold airmass gathers momentum in the southern ocean, setting the stage for intensified winds and heightened moisture levels. For Friday and into Saturday, there looms a prospect of snow dusting the southern hills and rain falling to most areas of the South Island. The exact snowfall levels and the altitude they will reach currently remains uncertain, more reliable forecasts and predictions can be made closer to Friday. Wind chill will also make the temperature feel much like late Autumn/early winter.  Concurrently, a low-pressure system takes shape in the Tasman Sea, poised to bring widespread rainfall for most of the North Island , including heavy downpours, to the western and central areas. Come Sunday, conditions are expected to ease in the north with showery conditions persisting for the lower South Island.  

Synoptic Composite map interpretation: Purples and blue s represent colder airmass and moisture content. Green is neutral phases such as high pressure systems (fine weather). Yellow, orange, red and pink represent tropical airmass with moisture content.    .