Gloomy weather affecting a number of regions is about to finally break as high pressure tries to push in and encourages a new westerly air flow. This air flow will make for drier and sunnier and weather in the east of both islands (potentially for the next two weeks). While not everyone will get the sun many areas that have been very gloomy lately should see an improvement.

High pressure over the South Island gets stronger today and by Friday the high will start to cover both islands bringing sunnier weather.  However, the sunny day will be short lived…sorry!

A stronger system with colder air will approach the South Island on Saturday. Rain will fall in the Tasman Sea side and will turn to heavy snow over the mountains, with the snow level lowering later on Sunday and again on Tuesday next week.

On Sunday the areas of rain may expand into the North Island with strong westerly quarter winds. 

Snowfall totals might be 50-100cm over the high mountains of the South Island. If driving over alpine passes keep up to date with highway conditions from Sunday to Tuesday.

Here’s the good news – the new westerly change will bring sunnier weather to Christchurch with a general forecast of mainly sunny and dry this weekend due to the rain shadow effect over the Southern Alps (blocking the rain to the east while making it heavier in the west. Wellington and Masterton should also see general improvements over the next several days, despite some further wet and windy weather coming in.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz