It seems to have been with us for a very long time – the southerly that first moved in last weekend still remains with us as we head into this weekend following a week long cold blast.

But while the southerly has meant spectacular weather for those in the north and west – especially West Coasters – it has lingered for an unusually long time in the east

• Watch our weekend video with Philip Duncan (3mins) by clicking here

Normally a southerly change is ushered eastwards within a couple of days as the incoming high moves in.  Not this week though – with the high so large it’s barely moving.  On top of that a secondary low east of the North Island is continuing to fuel the wind and showers along the east coast from Canterbury to Gisborne, especially lingering in Hawkes Bay and Gisborne.

The southerly will ease this weekend though – and by Sunday sunny weather should spread everywhere.

The West Coast yesterday enjoyed warm weather as the skies cleared.  Temperatures quickly bounced back into the low to mid teens while in the Far North Kaitaia took the national high with 15 degrees.

Into the start of next week and the large high should remain in control for at least the first half of the week, continuing the sunny spell for a few more days.

– Homepage image – Matt Gwynne

– WeatherWatch.co.nz