THE INSIDE LOOK AT OUR WEEKEND – SUNNY & WARM FOR PARTS OF THE REGION

Updated 6:20am Friday morning 27/10/2017

WEEKEND PREVIEW – LARGE ‘HIGH PRESSURE’ IN CHARGE, BUT WILL IT DELIVER!

Yes, we’re already hearing about the warm temperatures lined up this weekend, but will it deliver!? When we talk about High Pressure, we usually associate this with sunny & calm conditions, but what also often surprises here in Canterbury is the term ‘anticyclonic gloom’ which is basically moisture in the form of low cloud ( stratus) which is often very hard to forecast and  detect; a forecasting nightmare & it’s a distinct chance this weekend for coastal areas, including the Garden City.

This weekend we expect calm conditions across Canterbury under high pressure, with sunny skies, light winds and mild temperatures inland, closer to the coast we may experience the dreaded ‘gloom’ during early & later stages of Saturday and there is the chance low cloud may hang around through the day, restricting the temperature to 15-16 degrees on Saturday .We start to see more of a foehn influence on Sunday, so slightly milder temperatures and less low cloud to start the day.

Overall, a settled weekend across Canterbury, just keep in mind we may see that stubborn ‘gloom’ on Saturday! If you’re planning weekend activities, Sunday is looking milder and  we’re less likely to see any low cloud – the best day to get out & enjoy the outdoors, or ‘tackle’ those out of control lawns!


PLACES TO BE: The Mackenzie Country looks fantastic! Sunny & warm, with light winds. Hanmer Springs, Castle Hill Village & Arthur’s Pass will escape any of the ‘gloom’ and push into the mid-twenties on Sunday. As a general rule, inland with elevation will be the way to go.  (There is a low risk of a few isolated, before ‘heat’ showers Saturday afternoon.)

  • A perfect weekend for getting into the outdoors – tramping, hunting – even ‘knocking’ off those higher peaks with high freezing levels & light winds at all levels. Freezing levels will be around 3500m on Sunday, just keep an eye out for a shower near the Main Divide.

PLACES THAT MAY STRUGGLE TO BUDGE THE LOW CLOUD: Coastal Canterbury, especially Christchurch north to Kaikoura. 50-60% chance of low cloud morning & evening on Saturday and perhaps even on Sunday morning. In saying that, we may see quality sunshine hours during middle stages of the day on Saturday and Sunday is looking brighter!


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Weather Analyst: Russell Voice