Source: MetService
Covering period of Monday 8th – Thursday 11th December:
- Warm, mostly sunny conditions dominate the North Island and eastern South Island
- Heat Alerts issued for Gisborne and Hastings today
- Brief bursts of wind and rain for the lower South Island.
After last week’s thunderstorms, heavy downpours and rapidly changing skies across the North Island, this week sees a strong contrast as conditions have taken a noticeably calmer and warmer turn. A settled early summer pattern is over Aotearoa New Zealand, bringing warm days, light winds and long fine spells for much of the country, though the south will feel a bit more varied.
The North Island has already been feeling the change, with dry westerlies, clear skies and high temperatures becoming the theme of the week. Tauranga and Whitianga recorded their highest December temperatures on record on Sunday at 31.2°C and 30.9°C respectively*. Heat alerts have been issued for Gisborne and Hastings today, where temperatures may reach 32°C and 34°C, especially inland.
Temperatures are expected to stick in the mid to high twenties for many regions supported by sunshine, relatively stable air and higher than normal sea surface temperatures, however, a gradual southwest change will see temperatures ease throughout the week.
While most of the country trends settled, the South Island sees a bit more variation. The West Coast remains the most unsettled area, where rain and the chance of thunderstorms continue at times. Further south, Fiordland, Southland and Stewart Island may experience strengthening northwesterlies as a cold front brushes through on Tuesday night, while Otago and Canterbury may also see some patchy mid-week rain as that front extends onto them.
MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden says the shift will be welcome for many. “Last week brought a lot of lively weather. This week is much more settled. Most regions are already experiencing warm, pleasant days with only brief interruptions from cloud or an isolated shower.”
Temperatures remain a standout feature, particularly for northern and eastern areas where clear skies and dry westerlies help boost daytime highs. Even with some more persistent cloud for places like East Cape, the overall pattern favours sunshine and comfortable conditions for most of the population.
Stay up to date with the latest forecasts at metservice.com or on the MetService app.
*Temperature records for Tauranga Airport and Whitianga Airport began in 1941 & 1990 respectively.
