Turbulence of different kind will affect the skies of Auckland this weekend as the Whenuapai Airshow gets underway.

All week planes of various sizes have been seen flying in formation or flying low in preparation for the big event.

Red Checkers aerobatics team. Photo/RNZAF

Commanding Officer Base Auckland, Wing Commander Richard Marshall says the RNZAF is entering an exciting period. “In the space of a decade we will be introducing into service 30 new or significantly upgraded aircraft across six different fleets, while exploring innovative options that could better utilise RNZAF resources for New Zealand.

“The public will be able to see the newly upgraded Boeing 757 in an air display and have the chance to board the aircraft on the ground. In addition, the role demonstrations by various RNZAF aircraft will highlight the range of capabilities the Air Force has,” says WGCDR Marshall.

WeatherWatch.co.nz’s forecast for Whenuapai on Saturday (which you can read here in full) calls for dry conditions with sunny and cloudy periods and a temperature in the low to mid 20s.

Weekend Weather for New Zealand

North Island:  The forecast for the rest of the North Island looks sunny and calm on Saturday with mostly clear skies apart from the western coastline, where a few harmless clouds are expected.  Temperatures are likely to be in the low 20s for the west and mid 20s for the east with a dry westerly prevailing.

In Wellington a cold front will arrive later on Saturday bringing a cold change and showers.  That cold change will spread up the east coast to Napier at night bringing those showers and cooler winds.

South Island:  Turbulence of the usual variety is expected in the South Island.  The weather won’t be settled for most people this weekend with another bitterly cold change on the way.  A southerly is going to spread up the island overnight Friday/Saturday morning bringing much colder weather.  Showers and strong southerlies will cover all southern and eastern areas with the West Coast being sheltered, warmer and drier – highs in the late teens expected in Westport.

Daytime highs will be lucky to reach double digits in Southland and coastal Otago as the southerly roars through.  Highs of just 11 and 12 degrees are expected Saturday and Sunday respectively in Invercargill with 13 or 14 in Dunedin and Christchurch over both days.