It’s rare that WeatherWatch.co.nz gets to have a positive Labour weekend forecast but this year it’s shaping up that almost all of New Zealand will be in for a sunnier, drier, calmer long weekend.

Initial data last week indicated a large high will cross the country starting Friday and last well into next week.  As of today the long range models and data used by WeatherWatch.co.nz still predict a mostly sunny weekend across the nation.

See our full forecast for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday for your holiday region this long weekend.

Head weather analyst Philip Duncan says the high couldn’t be better timed.  “It’s currently waiting in the wings over eastern Australia and will move our way on Friday.  The anticyclone will ensure light winds, mostly sunny skies and warm daytime weather right over New Zealand”.

Mr Duncan says the only shower activity forecast is for Southland and Fiordland on Sunday or Monday.  “A weak front will brush the area.  If that’s the worst we can expect then I’m sure most won’t be too disappointed with the forecast this weekend”.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says that daytime highs across New Zealand will be in the late teens to low 20s while highs in the mid 20s are possible across inland Otago and Canterbury if winds pick up later in the weekend.

The past few years Labour Weekend has been affected by large southern storms brushing past New Zealand.

Homepage image / David Shone