27C to 13C: Weather whiplash as rain, cooler temperatures to sweep up NZ

New Zealanders enjoying warm conditions are being urged to make the most of it, as a wet, cooler change sweeps across the country from midweek in what MetService describes as classic spring weather.

Much of the country will bask in temperatures above 20C, with fine conditions expected through Sunday in many regions. However, a front moving in from the west is expected to bring rain and a sharp temperature drop as it travels up the country between Tuesday and Thursday.

MetService meteorologist Silvia Martino said the mild spell was being driven by northerly and northeasterly airflows carrying warm, moist air over New Zealand.

“It’s been pretty nice today [Saturday], and a similar sort of story for tomorrow. Some showers in the west, and a lot of places looking quite nice on the whole.”

While showers and isolated thunderstorms remain possible over the coming days, particularly in parts of the North Island, Martino said many areas would continue to see pleasant spring weather before the change whips over the country.

New Zealanders should enjoy the sunshine while it lasts because rain is forecast for many areas by Thursday. Photo / MetService

Christchurch and Ashburton are forecast to reach 27C on Tuesday, about 10C above average for this time of year. If Christchurch reaches that mark, it would be the city’s warmest day since mid-March.

But the sunny days will be short-lived.

By Thursday, Christchurch is forecast to have a high of 13C.

“Behind that front, temperatures drop off rapidly,” Martino said.

Other South Island centres are also in line for a chilly end to the week. Timaru is forecast to reach 12C on Thursday, about 4C below average, while temperatures across much of the island are expected to sit in the low teens.

The front is expected to spread north through Wednesday and Thursday, bringing rain to most of the country.

“At the moment we’re only looking at a low risk of anywhere needing warnings, but we will keep an eye on that,” Martino said.

The change is a reminder that, despite recent warm afternoons and the country’s gradual move out of winter, summer is still some way off.

“Classic spring,” Martino said, with conditions flip-flopping between warm sunshine and colder, wetter weather.

For now, New Zealanders can enjoy the sunshine while it lasts. By Thursday, many will likely be reaching for their raincoats again.