Oriental Bay beach, Wellington on 10 January 2024 on a day that temperatures were forecast to hit 25C in the capital. Photo: RNZ / Soumya Bhamidipati
The first weather warnings for 2025 could come next week, MetService says, but not before Aotearoa enjoys a "long-awaited summer feel".
Aside from the Far North and "some places inland", fine weather is expected across New Zealand, MetService meteorologist Surprise Mhlongo said.
"The good news is that we are forecasting a wind flow change from the cool southerlies to easterlies, bringing in warmer temperatures for most.
"The exception to this will be the east of the North Island, including Wairarapa where conditions will remain cool, cloudy and showery."
Wellington - which has its anniversary holiday on Monday - will reach highs of around 21C from Friday, she said, "so hopefully there will be fewer jumpers needed this Anniversary Day".
The capital has had one of its worst starts to the year on record, with Wellingtonians weathering the longest run of cold days in a decade, according to MetService data.
Wellingtonians spoken to by RNZ described this year's summer as "a buzz kill", "crap", "pretty trash" and "one of the worst in memory".
Beachgoers determined to make the most of the sun, despite the cold wind and water. (Oriental Bay) Photo: RNZ / Mary Argue
There will be some heavy rain in Northland and possibly Auckland too, she said. The rest of the country should get some later next week.
"A band of rain will move to the southern half of the North Island and the eastern areas of the South Island from Tuesday early morning, while the possible heavy rain and strong to gale easterlies continue in Northland and Auckland, spreading to Coromandel.
"Although it is still early days, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay might also experience heavy rain on Tuesday. We may see the first set of severe weather warnings for the new year."
NIWA, which will take over MetService in a merger announced by Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins last year, said the West Coast would have "fantastic weather", and easterlies will keep temperatures high in western parts of the country.
Generally pleasant temperatures are expected on Friday afternoon, although Northland will be a bit cooler due to cloud cover and showers.
— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) January 16, 2025
️ Easterly winds continue the trend of the warmest temperatures occurring in western NZ.
Fantastic weather continues for the West Coast! pic.twitter.com/XgX1CMtQHN
Hamilton and Palmerston North were forecast to have the highest temperatures on Friday, at 24C.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
