New Zealand’s largest anniversary weekend is upon us – Auckland Anniversary weekend – so what do forecasters expect weatherwise?   WeatherWatch.co.nz expects a half way mix between settled and stormy.

Head weather analyst Philip Duncan says a deepening low in the sub-tropics will drive strengthening east to south east winds in to the upper North Island. 

“Winds will be fairly strong at times in exposed east coast places such as Coromandel Peninsula and Northland.  A few showers are also likely, some may be heavy on Sunday or Monday.  I wouldn’t say it’s going to be stormy but it’s also not going to be calm and clear blue skies for everyone either”.

Mr Duncan says most people should be able to enjoy the outdoors however heavy rain is likely for those travelling to Gisborne and Hawkes Bay.  “MetService currently has Gisborne and Hawkes Bay in their severe weather outlook, saying heavy rain is possible as a sub-tropical low moves down on Sunday and Monday”.

Temperatures should be relatively mild with sunnier and calmer weather expected the further south you head.  “It’s a reverse of the weather pattern we’ve seen so far this summer”.

Mr Duncan says with a low coming from the sub-tropics holidaymakers should keep a close eye on WeatherWatch.co.nz forecasts.  “We expect conditions to be fairly changeable over the long weekend for northern New Zealand.  Forecasts may need to be tweaked as the low moves closer”.

South easterly winds are expected for much of next week over the upper North Island while mainly settled conditions remain elsewhere.