David Crow's weather forecaster

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Friday 3rd February.

2012-01-31T09:23:00.001+13:00

An anticyclone is crossing the North Island. Main centres are now to the north of the Chatham Islands and over the centre of the North Island. This high is stationary at the moment. An active trough of low pressure with an embedded cold front stretches from northern Tasmania, across the south Tasman Sea to the area just south of the South Island. North of this trough a very strong, moist northwesterly airstream in the southeastern Tasman Sea is spreading onto the South Island. Pressure gradient is becoming extremely tight over Otago and Southland with north to northwesterly gales expected to develop by mid morning in exposed places. This northwesterly airstream carries considerable moisture and heavy rain is likely about Fiordland and the western ranges of Otago from this morning. The front and trough should pass over southern districts tonight and on up over the remainder of the South Island tomorrow, then weakening as it reaches the top of the South Island. A ridge will spread in behind the front tomorrow with winds changing to cooler south to southeasterlies. A large anticyclone lies south of the Australian Bight and should move into the south Tasman Sea by Friday giving fine weather over New Zealand for the weekend.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for cloudy skies with rain becoming widespread about the western ranges, becoming heavy there for long periods with a heavy rain warning in force for today and tonight. Lighter rain will spread further east to other areas later in the afternoon. Winds will freshen from the north or northwest from about mid morning, becoming gale force in exposed areas, with gusts possible to severe gale force. It will be very warm though. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 25.1 degrees. Arrowtown 25.9 degrees. Kinloch 24.7 degrees. Wanaka 25.2 degrees. Kingston 26.1 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres severe northwesterly gales, gusting 130 kph in exposed places, easing tonight. At 2000 metres severe northwest gales 120 kph, easing tonight. Freezing level above 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Kingston 27 degrees. For Glenorchy 26 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 28 degrees.

Tomorrow cloudy with a period of rain in the morning and fresh southerlies, clearing to fine periods during the afternoon with southerlies decreasing and becoming light by evening.

Thursday generally fine with light to moderate southeasterlies dying away. Moderate temperatures.

Friday continuing fine with light northerlies developing and temperatures becoming warmer.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Thursday 2nd February.

2012-01-30T09:31:00.001+13:00

An anticyclone with main centre just west of the upper North Island is moving across New Zealand. A cold front is moving northwards off East Cape. A trough of low pressure lies just south of Tasmania and extends southeastwards to the south of the Tasman Sea. Between this trough and the high is a very strong northwesterly airstream which will be spreading onto the southwest of the South Island by later today. Tomorrow this airstream will cover the South Island with widespread rain in western areas and gales over many eastern places, possibly severe in some exposed areas. The trough with embedded cold front will move onto the south of the South Island tomorrow night, moving further northwards on Wednesday although it should weaken by the time it reaches Canterbury. A lighter and rather cool southerly airstream will spread onto Otago and Southland with a period of rain followed by showers on Wednesday. Another ridge of high pressure will spread in following this front on Thursday with fine weather and light winds.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for much upper level cloud but otherwise fine, although rain will develop about the western ranges tonight. West to northwesterly winds slowly freshening during the afternoon. Temperatures warm. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 23.0 degrees. Arrowtown 22.8 degrees. Kinloch 24.2 degrees. Wanaka 24.2 degrees. Kingston no report received. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwest 35 kph, rising to gusts 60 kph in exposed places by evening. At 2000 metres northwest 50 kph, rising to gale 90 kph this afternoon. Freezing level above 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 25 degrees. Glenorchy 24 degrees. Kingston, Cromwell and Alexandra 26 degrees.

Tomorrow extensive high cloud with widespread rain in the western ranges, sometimes heavy, and lighter rain spreading eastwards at times. Strong west to northwesterly winds, reaching gale force at tmes; some severe gusts possible in exposed places, but winds decreasing during the evening.

Wednesday overcast with rain at times and a change to moderate southerly winds. Temperatures becoming cooler.

Thursday becoming fine with light winds, tending northeasterly and mild temperatures.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Wednesday 1st February.

2012-01-29T09:19:00.001+13:00

A cool southwesterly airstream is dying away over New Zealand as an anticyclone in the north Tasman Sea slowly extends onto much of the country. The centre of the high is stationary but it is extending onto the North Island and northern parts of the South Island. A weakening cold front is moving over South Canterbury and Westland with showers or rain mostly affecting the west coast. By Tuesday the anticyclone shold have moved to the east of the North Island allowing an active trough of low pressure to move up from the southwest. A freshening northwesterly airstream ahead of this trough may bring some strong winds to the Southern Lakes on Tuesday until another cool southerly change spreads up on Wednesday with a few showers. The weather should improve again after this as the winds tend more southeasterly.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for mainly fine weather apart from some scattered areas of upper level cloud. South to southwesterlies dying away during the afternoon. Mild to warm temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 24.4 degrees. Arrowtown 25.1 degrees. Kinloch 22.0 degrees. Wanaka 23.6 degrees. Kingston no report. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres southerly 40 kph, easing to 25 kph this afternoon. At 2000 metres southwest gale 65 kph, easing to 30 kph by this evening. Freezing level 2200 metres, rising to 3000 metres during the evening. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Kingston 22 degrees. Glenorchy, Cromwell and Alexandra 24 degrees.

Tomorrow increasing upper level cloud from afternoon but apart from showers about the western ranges, it will remain dry elsewhere until a few showers develop during the evening. Warm temperatures.

Tuesday widespread rain about the western ranges, possibly heavy at times and the odd shower elsewhere at times. West to northwest winds becoming strong with gales in exposed places. Still warm.

Wednesday cloudy with a cool southerly change during the early morning and occasional showers developing.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Tuesday 31st January.

2012-01-28T09:31:00.001+13:00

A strong westerly airstream flows over the south Tasman Sea and from coastal Southland southwards. Some cold air still lies to the south of the South Island but is moving eastwards now in this strong westerly airstream and will not move any further northwards. A cold front lies south of Stewart Island but is weakening and should weaken even further as it moves northwards over the lower South Island later today with showers in western districts only. Westerly gales are expected along the south coast and through to southeastern Otago. An anticyclone extends from south of Australia, across Tasmania and into the north and central Tasman Sea. It extends a ridge of high pressure across the North island where fine weather prevails. Westerlies will prevail over the south of the South Island through until Tuesday when another cold front will move through Southland and Otago later in the day. Ahead of this front a strong northwesterly airstream will prevail with colder southerlies and a few showers following it.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for mainly cloudy skies but dry away from the western ranges where occasional rain will prevail. Freshening westerly winds, becoming strong or gale force in exposed positions. Temperatures mild. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 18.1 degrees. Arrowtown 16.1 degrees. Kinloch 17.4 degrees. Wanaka 16.6 degrees. Kingston 15.3 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterly gusting 90 kph in exposed places. At 2000 metres severe gale westerlies 100 kph. Freezing level rising to 2800 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 21 degrees. For Kingston 22 degrees. For Glenorchy 20 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 23 degrees.

Tomorrow mainly fine apart from cloud morning and night. The odd, isolated shower is still possible about the far western ranges. Moderate westerly winds dying away in all but exposed areas. Mild or warm temperatures.

Monday fine again in all districts except the western ranges where rain will develop later in the day. North to northwesterly winds increasing to fresh and gusty, and strong in exposed places. Temperatures warm.

Tuesday cloudy with widespread rain about the western ranges and occasional showers spreading further east to other districts during the day. North to northwest winds increasing further, becoming strong or gale force in many places. Still warm.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Monday 30th January.

2012-01-27T09:27:00.001+13:00

An active cold front bringing some very cold weather is moving over central parts of the country this morning and should cross most of the North Island today. Ahead of the front gale northwesterlies prevail in many parts of the southern North Island while behind the front an unseasonably cold block of wintry weather has moved over the South Island with snow to low levels on the mountains. An anticyclone west of Tasmania is pushing a ridge of high pressure eastwards into the south Tasman Sea and this ridge should move further onto southern South Island districts during the day with fine weather. The anticyclone should move into the central Tasman Sea over the weekend and become slow moving with westerlies developing over southern districts but fine weather prevailing. During the early part of next week another active front should be moving towards the lower South Island, probably affecting these districts about Tuesday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for cloudy skies at first with a few snow showers still likely about the mountains but clearing to fine weather by about midday. Moderate to fresh southwesterly winds gradually decreasing. Still very unseasonably cold. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 23.0 degrees. Arrowtown 23.2 degrees. Kinloch 19.3 degrees. Wanaka 22.4 degreees. Kingston 24.2 degrees.. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres southwesterly 40 kph. At 2000 metres southwesterlies 60 kph, Freezing level 1200 metres gradually rising to 2200 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 14 degrees. For Kingston and Glenorchy 13 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 15 degrees.

Tomorrow becoming cloudy in western districts with some rain about the western ranges but remaining fine elsewhere. Westerly winds freshening during the day and temperatures becoming milder.

Sunday and Monday continuing mainly fine but with increasing cloud on Monday and freshening northerly winds. Back to seasonably average temperatures again.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Sunday 29th January.

2012-01-26T09:29:00.001+13:00

A large anticyclone lies to the north of Cape Reinga and is moving slowly east northeastwards, passing to the north of the North Island today. A very deep depression lies well to the south southwest of the South Island and contains some very cold air. However it is moving quickly eastwards and should be well out to the southeast of the South Island by later tomorrow. A weak cold front lies slow moving to the south while another much more active cold front lies further south and should merge with the first one south of Stewart Island this afternoon. This front should then move over Otago and Southland overnight tonight bringing this unseasonably cold air with it. Freshening northwesterlies will spread rain to most districts during the afternoon, changing to fresh, cold southwesterlies overnight with rain changing to showers and snow to low levels on the mountains. A further anticyclone lies west of Tasmania and will be spreading into the south Tasman Sea later tomorrow, spreading over the South Island during the weekend with fine weather. Westerly conditions will gradually prevail though with further cold fronts likely early next week.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for overcast skies with rain soon developing about the western ranges where it will become heavy today. Rain will then spread to all districts during the afternoon with west to northwesterlies freshening. A change to fresh, cold southwesterlies overnight with the rain changing to showery conditions, snow is possible down to 800 metres. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 29.4 degrees. Arrowtown 28.0 degrees. Kinloch 30. 1 degrees. Wanaka 29.2 degreees. Kingston 27.6 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterlies strengthening with gusts 100 kph in exposed places, turning cold southwesterly in the evening and abating. At 2000 metres northwesterly rising to severe gale 100 kph, turning cold southwesterly this evening and abating. Freezing level lowering to 1800 metres this evening and 1200 metres tonight. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Glenorchy 22 degrees. For Kingston 21 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 23 degrees.

Tomorrow fine or soon becoming fine with any snow showers on the mountains soon clearing. Southwesterlies dying away and temperatures still cool.

Saturday and Sunday cloudy about the western ranges but mainly fine and sunny elsewhere. Temperatures moderate.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Saturday 28th January.

2012-01-25T09:29:00.001+13:00

A large anticyclone centered in the central Tasman Sea is stationary and covers the whole country. It should move northeastwards over the North Island from tomorrow. A cold front stretches from Tasmania across to the south of the South Island. This front is slowing down and weakening and should become stationary just to the south of Stewart Island by tonight. Another more active cold front will move up from the south tomorrow and merge with the weak front later tomorrow, then move over Otago and Southland overnight tomorrow as quite an active system. Rain will spread to the western ranges tomorrow then elsewhere tomorrow evening with the front going through during the night bringing a change to cold showery weather and snow to quite low levels on the moutains. This front will move on up over the South Island on Friday while another anticyclone at present well west of Tasmania stretches a ridge into the south Tasman Sea. This will lie over southern districts during the weekend with fine ,settled weather.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for any remaining areas of low cloud very quickly clearing to give a fine, sunny day and warm or very warm again. Westerly winds developing and freshening later. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown and Arrowtown both 28.4 degrees. Kinloch 25.4 degrees. Wanaka 29.2 degrees. Kingston no report. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres westerlies rising to 40 kph. At 2000 metres westerlies 45 kph, rising to gale 70 kph tonight. Freezing level above 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and Kingston 27 degrees. For Glenorchy 25 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 28 degrees.

Tomorrow rain about the western ranges from morning, becoming heavy there during the day with scattered lighter rain spreading elsewhere. Rain widespread and persistant everywhere by evening. Fresh west to northwesterly winds tending southwesterly overnight with rain changing to colder showery weather. Snow should lower to 1000 metres by Friday morning.

Friday showers at first and snow on the mountains but improving during the morning and fine by afternoon. Light southwest winds and cool temperatures.

Saturday and Sunday as well fine and settled with light winds and temperatures rising.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Friday 27th January.

2012-01-24T09:29:00.001+13:00

The cool southwesterly airstream continues to drift off to the east of New Zealand while a large anticyclone centered in the south Tasman Sea is stationary but extends over western parts of the country. It should lie over the central Tasman by tomorrow and extend over the whole country where it will lie through the weekend. However a cold front lies slow moving to the west of Tasmania and should move slowly over the south Tasman Sea tomorrow and pass over southern parts of the South Island on Thursday. It will weaken as it moves over the remainder of the South Island on Friday but a cooler southwesterly airstream follows the front. A further anticyclone will spread from the Australian Bight onto southern districts of the South Island at the weekend giving another period of fine, settled weather.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine, sunny and clear weather with light winds and warm afternoon temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 16.7 degrees. Arrowtown 18.5 degrees. Kinloch 16.3 degrees. Wanaka 18.8 degrees. Kingston 13.8 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres light winds at first, westerly breezes developing this afternoon. At 2000 metres southwesterlies 25 kph, tending northwest this evening. Freezing level above 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown and Glenorchy 24 degrees. For Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 25 degrees. For Kingston 23 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 26 degrees.

Tomorrow fine clear and sunny again with light west to northwesterly winds and warm temperatures.

Thursday cloudy with rain about the western ranges by morning, possibly becoming heavy there. Rain spreading to other areas by afternoon but improving again by evening to just a few showers. Cooler westerlies prevailing with light snow by evening about the mountain tops.

Friday any showers clearing by early morning to fine weather. Moderate to fresh southwesterly to southerly winds and still rather cool.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Thursday 26th Jamuary.

2012-01-23T09:18:00.001+13:00

The cold southerly to southwesterly airstream that has been covering the country is now moderating and moving off to the east of the country. A couple of remaining small trough lines lie near Gisborne and just south of Stewart Island but the weather should be mainly fine over the next several days throughout the country as a large anticyclone centered east of Tasmania moves northeastwards into the central Tasman Sea and becomes stationary. This will remin there until Thursday when another cold spell will move up from the south behind a cold front which should move onto southern districts later Thursday. Some showers, cold southerlies and even light snow on the mountains will prevail at first on Friday before it clears during the day and the weekend looks quite settled.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for a mix of cloudy skies and fine periods for most of the day but any showers should now have finished, except perhaps for a few snow flurries about the mountains. Light to moderate southerlies, dying away during the day. Cold at first but temperatures becoming a little milder by afternoon. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 15.0 degrees. Arrowtown 16.1 degrees. Kinloch 20.8 degrees. Wanaka 16.8 degrees Kingston 11.9 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres southerlies 40 kph, dying out towards evening. At 2000 metres southerlies 60 kph, easing to southwesterly 40 kph by this evening. Freezing level gradually rising above 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown and Wanaka 18 degrees. Kingston and Glenorchy 17 degrees. Cromwell and Alexandra 19 degrees.

Tomorrow and Wednesday fine mainly sunny conditions becoming general. Light winds tending westerly and temperatures becoming warmer.

Thursday increasing upper level cloud with rain about the western ranges from morning, spreading elsewhere during the day. Freshening westerlies and becoming colder again with snow lowering on the mountains overnight.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Wednesday 25th January.

2012-01-22T09:29:00.001+13:00

An anticyclone far out to the east of the North Island still extends a ridge of high pressure back over the upper North Island. A very disturbed and rather cold south to southwesterly airstream covers the remainder of the North Island and the South Island. A stationary front lies east to west from Auckland across to Sydney. Other cold fronts are moving northwards over Mid Canterbury and Marlborough followed by cold southerly winds. A small trough line is moving up over Stewart Island and will bring a period of showers, some hail and even snow on the mountains this morning along with a brief freshening of the southerly winds. A small low is moving quickly southeastwards to the southeast of Otago. An anticyclone lies southeast of Tasmania and is moving eastwards. It should move more northeastwards by later today to lie in the central Tasman Sea by tomorrow where it will become very slow moving. It should intensify a little further and cover the whole country through until Thursday when a cold front moves up onto the south of the South Island, probably later in the day, bringing rain to Fiordland but only a few showers to the remainder of Otago.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for cloudy skies this morning with a few showers, possibly some brief hail and light snow on the mountains down as low as 1200 metres. Southerlies freshening for a while then decreasing again this afternoon with the weather improving and fine by evening. Temperatures remaining rather cold. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 23.3 degrees. Arrowtown 23.7 degrees. Kinloch 20.9 degrees. Wanaka 22.6 degrees. Kingston 26.1 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres winds changing southwesterly 30 kph this morning, rising to 40 kph for a time. At 2000 metres winds changing southwesterly 50 kph during this morning. Freezing level lowering to 1300 metres. Much cooler maximum temperatures are likely today. Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 14 degrees. Kingston, Glenorchy, Cromwell and Alexandra 15 degrees.

Tomorrow fine weather with light southerlies dying away. Temperatures rather cold at first but rising to become mild by the afternoon.

Tuesday and Wednesday fine weather with light northerlies developing and the temperatures becoming warm again.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Tuesday 24th January.

2012-01-21T09:45:00.001+13:00

A very light westerly airstream covers New Zealand while a small, weak low lies to the east of the Wairarapa incorporating a weak stationary front. A further weak front lies over Auckland. A more active cold front is moving northwards over the seas to the south of the Tasman and should move up onto the south of the South Island tonight. This front is followed by a fresh, cold southwesterly airstream with a brief period of showers and a marked drop in temperature. The front is moving quickly and should be followed by a clearance by tomorrow afternoon. A large anticyclone lies to the west of Tasmania and should be moving into the south Tasman Sea tomorrow, then into the central Tasman Sea on Monday where it will remain slow moving for much of the week, covering most of New Zealand. This will give light winds and a period of mainly fine weather through to next Friday. A cold front is likely by next Thursday night or Friday but it should weaken away and produce little in the way of weather before a more active front affects southern areas on Saturday.

Forcast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine weather for most of the day although with increasing upper level cloud. Some rain will spread to the western ranges by later this afternoon, then spread further east during the evening. Rain may become heavy about the western ranges this evening. West to northwesterlies freshening during the day, turning to much cooler west to southwesterlies overnight tonight with rain changing to showery weather. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 23.4 degrees. Arrowtown 24.3 degrees. Kinloch 19.7 degrees. Wanaka 24.4 degrees. Kingston 25.6 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres winds light at first, northwesterly 50 kph developing in exposed places this afternoon. At 2000 metres westerly 40 kph rising tonorthwesterly gale 70 kph by this evening. Freezing level 3000 metres lowering to 2000 metres tonight. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown and Glenorchy 23 degrees. For Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Kingston 24 degrees. For Cromwell 25 degrees and Alexandra 26 degrees.

Tomorrow cloudy in the morning with occasional showers. fresh southerlies and much cooler. Snow is likely to about 1200 metres on the mountains. Conditions will be improving by afternoon to become fine with perhaps a little scattered cloud only.

Monday and Tuesday fine, sunny weather in all districts with light winds, turning northerlies. Temperatures a little cool on Monday but becoming warm by Tuesday. This fine period should continue through for much of the working week next week.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Monday 23rd January.

2012-01-20T09:46:00.001+13:00

An anticyclone far to the east of the North Island still extends a narrow ridge of high pressure back over the North Island to another small high located just to the west of Northland. A weakening cold front is moving up over the Cook Strait area and should cross much of the North Island today. A small low in the northwest Tasman Sea is stationary while an anticyclone well west of Tasmania is drifting very slowly eastwards. This high should drift into the Tasman Sea by early next week and then remain very slow moving giving an extended period of settled weather through much of next week. However a west to southwesterly airstream flows to the south and is extending up onto southern South Island districts. A weak cold front lies west of Puysegur Point and should pass over the Southern Lakes and Central Otago this afternoon with a few showers or a short period of light rain. A more active cold front will pass over the Souther Lakes tomorrow evening with much colder southwesterlies freshening and showers persisting through Sunday. The air is briefly cold and snow could fall to rather low levels on the mountains. The high in the Tasman Sea on Sunday will extend onto the South Island by Monday with fine weather then through to at least Thursday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for a mix of cloud and a few fine spells this morning, then a short period of light rain this afternoon before clearing again this evening. Light to moderate westerlies, briefly freshening this afternoon. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 23.9 degrees. Arrowtown 25.1 degrees. Kinloch 20.1 degrees. Wanaka 23.6 degrees. Kingston no report. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres westerlies, gusting 50 kph. At 2000 metres westerlies 70 kph. Freezing level lowering to 2200 metres for a time this afternoon, rising to 3000 metres tonight. Forcast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 22 degrees. For Kingston and Glenorchy 23 degrees. For Cromwell 24 degrees. For Alexandra 25 degrees.

Tomorrow mainly fine conditions although a little rain about the western ranges. This rain will spread to other areas by later in the day. Westerlies fresh at times and rather cool. A change overnight to more frequent showers, freshening southwesterlies and much colder temperatures.

Sunday cloudy with occasional showers, moderate to fresh and very cool southwesterlies and snow lowering on the mountains to unseasonable levels.

Monday becoming fine with light southerlies dying away. This fine spell should continue for several days.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Sunday 22nd January.

2012-01-19T09:26:00.001+13:00

A large anticyclone is centered well out to the east of the North Island but still extends back over the North Island and the northeastern Tasman Sea. A small depression in the northwest Tasman Sea is slow moving and not expected to move very far due to the anticyclone over the North Island. A northwesterly airstream is spreading onto the South Island ahead of a cold front approaching Puysegur Point. This front should move over the Southern Lakes later today with a short period of rain followed by a weak ridge bringing improving weather again tomorrow. The front should move up over the South Island tomorrow but become very weak. A further more active front is expected to arrive Saturday night with a period of showers and colder conditions. These conditions should continue through Sunday as well before a large anticyclone becomes stationary in the south Tasman Sea, bringing fine weather for several days from next Monday onwards.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for extensive upper level cloud at first but clearing to partly cloudy weather this morning with freshening west to northwesterly winds. These winds may become strong to gale force in exposed positions later in the morning. Rain developing in the western ranges this morning and spreading elsewhere for a time this evening before clearing everywhere by later in the evening. Warm temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 28.7 degrees. Arrowtown 26.8 degrees. Kinloch 26.2 degrees. Wanaka 27.4 degrees. Kingston 31.2 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterlies, gale gusting 90 kph in exposed places, easing to westerlies 50 kph this evening. At 2000 metres northwesterly, severe gale 100 kph turning southwesterly by evening, easing to 70 kph. Freezing level lowering to 3000 metres by dark. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown 24 degrees. Kingston, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Glenorchy 23 degrees. Cromwell 25 degrees. Alexandra 27 degrees.

Tomorrow mostly fine and mild with moderate to fresh westerlies. There is the chance of a brief shower during the afternoon.

Saturday increasing upper level cloud with rain developing about the western ranges during the day and spreading elsewhere later. North to northwesterlies freshening again to become strong in exposed areas. A southwest change overnight with showers and colder temperatures.

Changeable with cold, showery conditions and fresh, gusty south to southwesterlies. Snow may lower to rather unseasonable levels on the mountains.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Saturday 21st January.

2012-01-18T09:29:00.001+13:00

A large anticyclone covers the whole country and is slow moving. One centre lies west of Nelson with another centre east of Gisborne. A small weak trough line lies from north Taranaki up to the west of the upper North Island. A freshening west to northwesterly airstream lies from Victoria, across the south Tasman Sea to just south of the South Island. As the anticyclone drifts further northeastwards later today this airstream should gradually move up onto Southland and Otago. A cold front in this airstream stretches from Tasmania, then south of the Tasman Sea to Campbell Island. It will move up onto the south of the South Island by later tomorrow bringing a few showers, then move further north over the remainder oif the South Island on Friday while weakening away. A weak ridge should move in on Friday but a more active cold front is expected to move over the Southern Lakes and Central Otago on Saturday night with cold, showery weather.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for upper level cloud at times otherwise fine with light to moderate winds between west and north, possibly freshening in exposed areas. It will be warm again. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 25.3 degrees. Arrowtown 24.4 degrees. Kinloch no report this morning. Wanaka 24.9 degrees. Kingston 27.2 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres morthwesterly gusting 50 kph in exposed places. At 2000 metres westerlies 50 kph, rising to gale 75 kph tonight. Freezing level above 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Glenorchy 24 degrees. Kingston 25 degrees. Cromwell and Alexandra 27 degrees.

Tomorrow extensive high cloud with rain developing about the western ranges in the morning then spreading further eastwards to other districts by evening. North to northwesterly winds freshening from morning but backing southwesterly in the evening and decreasing. Rain turning to cooler, showery weather later in the evening.

Friday fine or becoming fine with moderate to fresh southwesterly winds and rather cool.

Saturday continuing fine until the evening when a fresh to strong southwesterly change brings colder showery weather.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Friday 20th January.

2012-01-17T09:28:00.000+13:00

A large anticyclone is stationary over New Zealand and the Tasman Sea. Main centres are west of the South Island and just to the east of the Wairarapa. A small front lies over Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula but the weather is mainly fine over the whole country this morning. Tomorrow the high should drift a little northeastwards and lie centered over the North Island but will still cover the whole country. By Thursday a cold front will be moving up from the southwest and spread onto the lower South Island later in the day with rain in the west and a few showers elsewhere by evening. The front should weaken as it moves up the South Island with a further anticyclone pushing in behind it giving fine weather on Friday but still rather cool. Fine weather should continue on Saturday but southwesterlies will again spread in on Sunday with showery weather.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine, sunny weather with light winds. Rather cool at first but warm by this afternoon. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 21.9 degrees. Arrowtown 21.1 degrees. Kinloch 20.3 degrees. Wanaka 20.4 degrees. Kingston 22.6 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres light northwesterly. At 2000 metres westerly 30 kph. Freezing level rising above 3000 metres this morning. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Kingston 23 degrees. For Glenorchy 22 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 24 degrees.

Tomorrow continuing fine and sunny with light northerly winds and temperatures becoming even warmer.

Thursday increasing high cloud from morning with rain developing about the western ranges, spreading elsewhere during the afternoon. Freshening northerlies during the day changing southwesterly in the evening with rain changing to a few showers and becoming cooler.

Friday becoming fine again with decreasing southwesterlies and still rather cool.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Thursday 19th January.

2012-01-16T09:26:00.001+13:00

A large anticyclone lies in the central Tasman Sea, covers most of the Tasman Sea and extends eastwards onto New Zealand. All remaining fronts lie east of the country except one which lies over Taranaki and stretches eastwards to southern Waurarapa and out to sea. The high is moving east southeastwards and should lie centered over the South Island by tonight, drift slowly northeastwards to lie centered over the North Island by tomorrow night, then remain stationary while covering the whole country on Wednesday. A cold front should move up from the southwest and pass over the lower South Island on Thursday with a period of rain and cooler conditions again.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine weather with a little cloud at first. Light to moderat southwesterly breezes dying away. Cool this morning but warming this afternoon. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 15.5 degrees. Arrowtown 17.4 degrees. Kinloch 14.9 degrees. Wanaka 15.8 degrees. Kingston 16.5 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres southwesterly breezes. At 2000 metres strong southwesterly easing to 20 kph this afternoon. Freezing level gradually rising to 2800 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 18 degrees. For Kingston and Glenorchy 17 degrees. For Croimwell and Alexandra 19 degrees.

Tomorrow fine and warm with light winds, northerlies predominating.

Wednesday continuing fine but with some increase in upper level cloud. Northerlies freshening and becoming strong in exposed areas.

Thursday cloudy with widespread rain about the western ranges from morning, spreading to other areas during the afternoon. Still warm at first. A change to cooler southwesterlies during the evening with rain changing to showers.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Wednesday 18th January.

2012-01-15T09:32:00.001+13:00

A deep depression lies far to the southeast of the South Island, moving away to the southeast. Smaller depressions lie south of Stewart Island and southwest of the Chatham Islands, both moving quickly away southeastwards. Cold fronts lie over Wellington, east of Banks Peninsula and over North Otago, moving eastwards. Pressures are rising over the South Island as the lows move away and a large anticyclone still west of Tasmania moves a little closer. This high should lie in the south Tasman Sea tomorrow, pushing a ridge of high pressure over the South Island, then lie over New Zealand for the next several days giving fine weather. By later Thursday a weakening cold front will move onto the south of the South Island with a few showers.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for partly cloudy but fine weather this morning with moderate to fresh but cool west to southwesterly winds. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 19.2 degrees. Arrowtown 21.1 degrees. Kinloch 18.6 degrees. Wanaka 20.3 degrees. Kingston no report. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres westerly 60 kph, easing to 40 kph this evening. At 2000 metres westerly gale 80 kph, easing to southwesterly 60 kph this evening. Freezing level 1300 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown 14 degrees. Wanaka and the Upper Clutha, Kingston and Glenorchy 15 degrees. Cromwell and Alexandra 16 degrees.

Tomorrow fine and sunny with possibly a little cloud at times and a light ground frost to start the day. Light to moderate southwesterly winds dying away. Still a little cool.

Tuesday and Wednesday fine and sunny with temperatures warming up. Light westerlies on Tuesday, freshening north to northwesterlies on Wednesday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and central Otago up until Tuesday 17th January.

2012-01-14T09:31:00.000+13:00

A deep depression is moving off to the southeast of the South Island and pressures are now rising over the country. A cold front stretches from Bass Strait across the south Tasman Sea to just west of Puysegur Point. A westerly airstream covers the country at the moment with a few showers in western districts but the cold front west of Puysegur should go through this afternoon with winds changing to cooler southwesterlies and a few isolated showers likely. A further cold front is lying southeast of Tasmania and should bring a change to even colder south to southwesterlies tomorrow with a few more showers and even some snow on the mountains down to 1000 metres. A large anticyclone lies well to the west of Tasmania and will be moving across the south Tasman Sea on Monday, giving an extended period of fine, settled weather through the first half of next week. A weakening cold front should move over the region later on Thursday with a few showers.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine weather this morning although with areas of cloud at times. Light to moderate westerly winds and moderate temperatures. There is the chance of an isolated shower this afternoon but little expected. Maximum termperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 15.5 degrees. Arrowtown 16.1 degrees. Kinloch 16.9 degrees. Wanaka 15.0 degrees. Kingston 14.2 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres westerlies 50 kph easing overnight. At 2000 metres westerly gale 75 kph easing to 45 kph by this evening. Freezing level lowering to 1600 metres this afternoon. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha, Kingston and Glenorchy 19 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 20 degrees.

Tomorrow cloudy with showers becoming a little more widespread as another cold front moves over. Some light snow likely on the mountains down to about 1000 metres. Improving again towards evening. Moderate and cool south to southwesterlies.

Monday and Tuesday fine and sunny with light variable winds and tempertures rising back to a more seasonable level.

Wednesday becoming warmer with light to moderate north to northwesterlies. Fine apart from increasing upper level cloud.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Monday 16th January.

2012-01-13T09:28:00.001+13:00

A very large and rather deep depression with centres near South Westland and over Mid Canterbury covers the whole country and the eastern Tasman Sea. Fronts lie near East Cape and west of Nelson and the North Island. A front lies in the central Tasman Sea and another cold front lies just to the south of Tasmania. The depression should merge into one centre and lie just east of North Otago by this evening. Northwesterly gales are likely today over exposed parts of the North Island and northern parts of the South Island while freshening southeasterlies are likely over southern South Island districts, gradually ternding back southwesterly as the low moves off to the southeast. West to southwesterly winds are likely over the weekend with much cooler temperatures but it should be dry from tomorrow apart from a few lingering showers about the western ranges. An anticyclone should spread across the Tasman Sea during the weekend then lie over New Zealand during the first half of next week with fine weather. A weakening cold front may bring a few showers to southern areas during Thursday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for overcast skies and periods of rain, easing later in the day. Light to moderate southeasterlies, turning southwesterly, fresh in exposed areas. Temperatures becoming cooler. Recorded maximum temperatures yesterday were Queenstown 21.4 degrees. Arrowtown 26.4 degrees. Kinloch 20.3 degrees. Wanaka 25.7 degrees. Kingston Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres southeasterly 60 kph, turning southwesterly this afternoon. At 2000 metres easterly 60 kph, becoming southwest gale 80 kph during the afternoon. Freezing level 2600 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today will be a little cooler, Queenstown and Glenorchy 20 degrees. Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Kingston 21 degrees. Cromwell and Alexandra 22 degrees.

Tomorrow a few showers remaining about the western ranges with snow down to 1000 metres but generally becoming fine elsewhere. Fresh, gusty westerly winds.

Sunday little change from tomorrow.

Monday generally fine weather everywhere under a large anticyclone with light variable winds and mild to warm temperatures.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Sunday 15th January.

2012-01-12T09:30:00.001+13:00

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for much upper level cloud this morning but partially clearing. However cloud building up again by later this afternoon with a few showers developing; some isolated thunder possible by early evening. Light northerly winds and still warm. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 26.2 degrees. Arrowtown 27.5 degrees. Kinloch 28.2 degrees. Wanaka 27.6 degrees. Kingston 28.3 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northerly 35 kph develoing by this afternoon. At 2000 metres northerly 45 kph developing during the afternoon. Freezing level about 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 26 degrees. For Kingston and Glenorchy 28 degrees. For Cromwell 29 degrees, and Alexandra 30 degrees.

Tomorrow overcast with widespread rain and north to northwesterlies freshening. Temperatures still warm but becoming cooler by later in the day.

Saturday overcast with periods of rain and becoming much cooler, possibly some snow lowering on the mountains by nightfall. Moderate west to southwesterlies.

Sunday improving to a cloudy or partly cloudy day with fresh west to southwesterlies, strong in exposed areas and cool temperatures.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Saturday 14th January.

2012-01-11T11:34:00.001+13:00

An extensive low pressure trough with many fronts covers New Zealand and much of the Tasman Sea. One front lies just west of North Westland, Buller and the lower North Island while other weak fronts lie over Southland and also west of Fiordland to out in the central Tasman Sea. Main low pressure area is west of Fiordland moving southeastwards and this depression should lie over southern South Island districts or just to the east through tomorrow and early Saturday. As the depression moves away southeastwards during Saturday, a cooler west to southwesterly airstream should gradually prevail through Saturday with occasional showers. The weather should gradually become fine though cooler by early next week.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for much upper level cloud this morning but partially clearing. However cloud building up again by later this afternoon with a few showers developing; some isolated thunder possible by early evening. Light northerly winds and still warm. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 26.2 degrees. Arrowtown 27.5 degrees. Kinloch 28.2 degrees. Wanaka 27.6 degrees. Kingston 28.3 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northerly 35 kph develoing by this afternoon. At 2000 metres northerly 45 kph developing during the afternoon. Freezing level about 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 26 degrees. For Kingston and Glenorchy 28 degrees. For Cromwell 29 degrees, and Alexandra 30 degrees.

Tomorrow overcast with widespread rain and north to northwesterlies freshening. Temperatures still warm but becoming cooler by later in the day.

Saturday overcast with periods of rain and becoming much cooler, possibly some snow lowering on the mountains by nightfall. Moderate west to southwesterlies.

Sunday improving to a cloudy or partly cloudy day with fresh west to southwesterlies, strong in exposed areas and cool temperatures.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Friday 13th January.

2012-01-10T09:27:00.001+13:00

A complex although rather shallow trough of low pressure covers the whole country. Cold fronts lie east of New Zealand, Over the centre of the South Island and just west of Puysegur Point. Small lows lie northwest of Taranaki and in the north Tasman Sea. Unsettled conditions prevail over central New Zealand but apart from considerable upper level cloud over the south of the South Island it should remain dry. A slight northerly airstream ahead of the front west of Puysegur Point may produce a little scattered light rain about the far western ranges this morning otherwise another dry day is expected. The small low northwest of Taranaki should disappear this morning while another depression will develop east of NSW and move across the Tasman Sea on Wednesday, crossing the south of the South Island later on Thursday. This will be followed by a disturbed west to southwesterly airstream from Friday onwards.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for overcast skies this morning with perhaps a little scattered light rain about the western ranges but dry elsewhere. Cloud clearing this afternoon and becoming very warm with light northerly breezes. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 30.2 degrees, (the higherst this summer) Arrowtown 30.1 degrees (also the highest of the summer) Kinloch 29.4 degrees. Wanaka not avaliable. Kingston 31.6 degrees (not sure but think the highest of the summer). Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterly 25 kph developing this afternoon. At 2000 metres northwesterly, rising to 40 kph during this afternoon. Freezing level above 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 27 degrees. Kingston, Cromwell and Alexandra 28 degrees. Glenorchy 26 degrees.

Tomorrow and Thursday a mix of cloud and fine sunny periods with a few showers about the western ranges. There is the chance of a brief shower or two elsewhere later in the afternoon or early evening but little is expected. Light to moderate northerly winds, freshening on Thursday and still warm or very warm.

Friday overcast with periods of rain and fresh northerlies turning to fresh westerlies during the day. Becoming cooler.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Thursday 12th January.

2012-01-09T09:28:00.001+13:00

A sub tropical depression has moved westwards over the upper North Island and lies this morning just west of Auckland where it is weakening. It will leave a large area of moist, sub tropical air over the North Island, giving unsettled, thundery showers in many places. A weak ridge of high pressure covers the South Island which extends from an anticyclone far to the southeast of the Chatham Islands. Fine weather will continue for some time yet over Otago and Southland although the chance of a few showers is much higher this week than it has been for some time. A deep depression lies south of Tasmania and is moving slowly eastwards. A cold front lies north to south through the south Tasman Sea while ahead of it a freshening northerly airstream should spread onto the south of the South Island tomorrow. This will bring a few showers by later tomorrow but they will be mainly confined to the western ranges.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine, clear, sunny weather with light winds and warm temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 28.1 degrees. Arrowtown 26.2 degrees. Kinloch no report. Wanaka 24.5 degrees. Kingston 29.7 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northeasterlies gusting 30 kph then tending northwest from evening. At 2000 metres northeasterly 30 kph tending northwesterly this evening. Freezing level above 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown and Glenorchy 28 degrees. For Kingston 27 degrees. For Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 26 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 29 degrees.

Tomorrow fine although a little more cloud and a few showers developing about the western ranges. There is the chance of a brief shower in districts further east by later in the evening. Temperatures very warm and light to moderate northerly winds.

Wednesday little change from that forecasted for tomorrow.

Thursday cloudy with showers still about the western ranges but fine and warm elsewhere, although northerly winds may freshen a little further.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Wednesday 11th January.

2012-01-08T09:28:00.001+13:00

A depression of sub tropical origin is lying just to the east of Auckland at 7am this morning and drifting slowly southwards while continuing to deepen. Tomorrow it should move westwards over the upper North Island and then weaken on Tuesday while lying west of Auckland. Several disturbance lines lie to the north and east of the Bay of Plenty while a stationary front lies through Cook Strait. A very unsettled day is likely over the North Island and upper part of the South Island today with heavy rain over the south of the North Island and northeastern parts of the South Island. A rather weak anticyclone lies in the south Tasman Sea and covers the lower South Island where fine weather continues although with a little scattered cloud at times. A deep depression lies southwest of Tasmania although it will be Thursday before it lies to the west of the South Island and affects the lower South Island. Northerlies ahead of this system will bring some scattered rain to the western high country of the Southern Lakes by Tuesday, spreading to other areas on Thursday but rain will be mainly light. Mild temperatures up until Wednesday when it will become warmer.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine weather although with a little scattered cloud at times. Light winds and mild temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 24.5 degrees. Wanaka 25.3 degrees. Will probably receive other maximums from tomorrow. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northeasterlies with gusts rising to 40 kph by tonight. At 2000 metres northeasterly breezes 30 kph tonight. Freezing level above 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today will be Queenstown 22 degrees. Wanaka and the Upper Clutha, Kingston and Glenorchy 23 degrees. Cromwell and Alexandra 24 degrees.

Tomorrow continuing fine with scattered cloud, light winds and mild temperatures.

Tuesday and Wednesday again mainly fine apart from scattered rain about the western ranges. There may be more cloud elsewhere by about Wednesday with northerrly winds developing and freshening on Wednesday. Mild temperatures on Tuesday but warm on Wednesday.

By Thursday rain will spread to most parts of Otago although away from the western ranges it will be mainly light.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Tuesday 10th January.

2012-01-07T09:35:00.001+13:00

A depression of sub tropical origin is moving southwards towards the top of the North Island and continuing to deepen. It will spread widespread and at times heavy rain over the upper part of the North Island with severe southeasterly gales there. This low will lie just to the east of Northland by midnight tonight and become slow moving before weakening a little on Monday. A small, weak low lies just to the east of Canterbury while a weak cold front is moving northwards over southern Fiordland with a few showers there. A small anticyclone lies over the south Tasman Sea and should spread a weak ridge of high pressure over the South Island over the weekend. This should move off to the east by Tuesday with a northerly airstream spreading onto the lower South Island by then.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine, sunny weather although with a little cloud at times. Light and variable winds and warm temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 25.0 degrees and Wanaka 23.5 degrees. Wanaka also had a welcome 4.8 mm of rain. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres southerly breezes. At 2000 metres westerlies 20 kph dying out this afternoon. Freezing level rising above 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 25 degrees. Glenorchy and Kingston 26 degrees. Cromwell and Alexandra 27 degrees.

Tomorrow and Monday fine and warm with light winds turning northerly on Monday. A little more cloud at times.

Tuesday mostly fine again although with considerably more cloud at higher levels. L.ight to moderate northerly winds.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Monday 9th Janury.

2012-01-06T09:47:00.001+13:00

A large anticyclone well to the east of East Cape is moving southeastwards but still extends a ridge of high pressure over the North Island where fine weather prevails in most areas, although weak troughs lie east of Gisborne and west of Auckland with isolated showers. A very weak low lies to the east of the South Island and is stationary.. There are a couple of weak cold fronts lying in the south Tasman Sea but apart from some scattered rain later today in Fiordland and also about eastern Otago as they pass over, no precipitation is expected in the Southern Lakes and Central Otago. A large anticyclone is located west of Tasmania and this is alreading pushing into the south Tasman Sea. Slightly cooler west to southwesterly conditions are expected to prevail over the weekend but the weather will be dry.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine weather although with considerable thin, high cloud at times. Very little winds but light westerlies will prevail and temperatures somewhat cooler today. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Wanaka 24.3 degrees and Queenstown 27.2 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterly 30 kph at times. At 2000 metres northwesterly 40 kph. Freezing level lowering to 2000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and Kingston 20 degrees. For Glenorchy 21 degrees. For Cromwell and Aleaxandra 22 degrees.

Tomorrow and Sunday fine with moderate to mild temperatures. Light west to southwesterly winds. There may be areas of upper level cloud at times.

Monday still fine although with a little more high cloud at times. Winds tending more west to northwesterly and temperatures becoming milder.

Hopefully forecasts back on a daily basis now.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago

2012-01-05T09:28:00.001+13:00

Good morning, David Crow here. Have been sick in hospital up in the North Island for a while. Have just returned home and hopefully should be back with forecasts from tomorrow Friday 6th, all being well. A very happy New Year to everyone.

David Crow forecasts on hold at the moment

2012-01-03T11:22:00.001+13:00

Regretfully due to unforeseen circumstances David is unable to publish any weather forecasts at the moment.

Cheers

Donald

No more forecasts until the 29th Dec. 2011

2011-12-20T08:12:00.001+13:00

I am away for a few days so wish you all a very Merry Christmas and will be back from the 29th December.

Cheers

David

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Centrl Otago up until Thursday 22nd December.

2011-12-19T09:26:00.001+13:00

A large anticyclone is centered in the south Tasman Sea, extends over the South Island and is stationary. A weak low is situated just northeast of North Cape and is moving eastwards. An associated stationary front is bringing a few showers to Northland. The high in the south Tasman is going to be the dominate feature for some considerable time now as it covers New Zealand all this week and through the weekend as well. A late afternoon or early evening shower is possible about the western ranges from tomorrow onwards due to heating but otherwise fine, settled weather will continue with light winds up to and including Christmas Day. An extensive low presure trough lies west of Tasmania and this is where it will remain.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine weather after any low cloud clears. Light variable winds. Maximum temperatures recorded yeasterday were Queenstown 19.1 degrees. Arrowtown 20.0 degrees. Kinloch 19.4 degrees. Wanaka 19.1 degrees. Kingston no report. Forecast upper level winds at 1000 metres light southeasterlies. At 2000 metres southerly breezes. Freezing level 2400 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Kingston 20 degrees. For Glenorchy, Cromwell and Alexandra 22 degrees.

Forecast for tomorrow fine and sunny after the clearance of morning low cloud. Light variable winds and warm temperatures.

Wednesday and for the remainder of the week including the weekend continuing fine and sunny although a little morning low cloud soon clearing. Afternoon heating may produce an isolated shower or two by early evening about the western ranges. Christmas Day will be fine and warm.

I am away for a few days so wish you all a very Merry Christmas and will be back from the 29th December.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Wednesday 21st December.

2011-12-18T09:30:00.001+13:00

A cool southerly airstream prevails over Nw Zealand but is slowly easing away as a large anticyclone in the south Tasman Sea eases closer to the South Island. A couple of cold fronts lie over the New Zealand region. One rather active one lies just north of the Bay of Plenty bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms to parts of the upper North Island. A further weak cold front lies stationary just south of Stewart Island and will have no effect on our weather. The anticyclone in the south Tasman will move onto New Zealand by later tomorrow and then remain rather slow moving right through this week, probably intensifying by next weekend. It is not often that the situation can be assessed up to a week ahead but in this case it appears that Christmas Day will be fine and sunny with mild temperatures. Fine weather will prevail right through this week although there is the possibility of a few brief early evening showers about the western ranges due to convective heating.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine weather after the clearance of morning cloud. Light and still rather cool south to southeasterly breezes. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 17.4 degrees. Arrowtown 19.6 degrees. Kinloch 18.3 degrees. Wanaka 18.4 degrees. Kingston 16.8 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres light and variable. At 2000 metres southerly breezes. Freezing level 2400 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Kingston 18 degrees. For Cromwell 19 degrees. For Glenorchy and Alexandra 20 degrees.

Tomorrow continuing fine and sunny after the clearance of morning low cloud with light and variable winds. Moderate temperatures.

Tuesday and Wednesday and probably much longer a fine settled period is expected. There will be the usual morning low cloud and possibly some early evening brief showers about the western ranges. Temperatures mild or warm.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Tuesday 20th December.

2011-12-17T09:34:00.001+13:00

A trough of low pressure is crossing the country with the southern part of the trough now lying east of the South Island and the northern part now crossing the North Island. A small depression in this trough lies just west of Auckland and should cross over to the east by this afternoon bringing some thundery rain to parts of the upper North Island with the passage of an associated cold front. Another weak cold front lies over Foveaux Strait but should not affect the weather in inland places. A much cooler southerly airstream affects the South Island with an anticyclone centered just southwest of Tasmania pushing a ridge of high pressure just to the south of the Foveaux Strait front. The ridge should push onto southern districts later today maintaining these cool conditions. The anticyclone should move into the south Tasman Sea tomorrow and then onto the South Island by Monday where it will intensify. This will bring an extended period of fine weather through next week with the high lying over the whole country. It should remain cool at first but temperatures will rise through the early part of next week.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for a fine day apart from some early morning low cloud areas, although temperatures will remain cool. Light south to southeasterly breezes. Ground temperatures may fall to just below freezing point tonight. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queentown14.8 degrees. Kinloch 26.5 degrees. Arrowtown 13.6 degrees. Wanaka 13.8 degrees. Kingston 12.5 degrees.Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres southeasterly breezes. At 2000 metres southerly 30 kph. Freezing level rising to 2000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown 17 degrees. For Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Kingston 16 degrees. For Glenorchy and Cromwell 18 degrees. For Alexandra 19 degrees.

Tomorow fine and sunny apart from some morning low cloud which should clear quickly. Cool temperatures at first but mild by afternoon.

Monday and Tueday continuing fine and sunny although a little cloud later in the afternoon with the possibility of a brief early evening shower. Very light southerly breezes and mild to warm temperatures.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Monday 19th December.

2011-12-16T09:29:00.001+13:00

An active and extensive trough of low pressure covers New Zealand and is moving slowly eastwards. Most active fronts associated with this trough have now moved off the country although one front lies over the eastern Bay of Plentry while a further front is moving slowly eastwards over Mid Canterbury. This will give some heavy rain today about the Christchurch region. A depression in the central Tasman Sea well to the west of Taranaki is moving northeastwards and should slowly cross the upper North Island during the weekend with unsettled weather there. An extensive belt of high presure lies to the south of Australia and is extending a ridge of high pressure eastwards across the south Tasman Sea to the south of the South Island. This ridge will move up onto the lower South Island tomorrow and intensify while an anticyclone will move into the south Tasman Sea and also intensify. These systems will bring an extended period of fine, settled weather from tomorrow through the first half of next week with the high lying over the South Island by next Monday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes qnd Central Otago for today is cloudy to overcast this morning with a little patchy light rain still possible at first but this should soon clear with the cloud breaking by this afternoon to give increasing fine periods. Light south to southeasterly winds and much cooler than the last few days. Maximum tempertures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 25.7 degrees. Arrowtown 26.8 degrees. Kinloch 28.3 degrees. Wanaka 27.7 degrees. Kingston 19.7 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at both 1000 metres and 2000 metres southeasterly 30 kph. Freezing level 2800 metres lowering to 1400 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today will be a little cooler. Queenstown and Kingston 16 degrees. Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 17 degrees. Glenorchy, Cromwell and Alexandra 18 degrees.

Tomorrow a mix of cloudy and sunny periods with light to moderate southerly winds and rather cool temperatures.

Sunday and Monday a little cloud but mostly fine and sunny with light southwesterly breezes on Sunday, becoming variable on Monday. Temperatures rising to become warm by Monday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Sunday 18th December.

2011-12-15T09:43:00.001+13:00

The large anticyclone southeast of the Chatham Islands is now moving away a little faster with the very moist, subtropical northerly airstream continuing to flow over New Zealand. A deep depression west of the upper South Island is now moving slowly northwards and will lie west of the North Island for the next several days although it is now weakening a little. However the moist northerly airstream will continue to produce heavy rain over the north of both islands for the next several hours. A large belt of high pressure lies to the south of Australia and is pushing a ridge of high pressure across the south Tasman to the south of the South Island. As the low moves further northwards the ridge will spread onto the south of the South Island behind a cooler southeasterly change which should spread onto Otago and Southland this afternoon with a brief period of rain before clearing to fine weather from tomorrow afternoon and through the weekend. An extended period of fine weather should continue through the early part of next week.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine weather this morning with light variable winds and warm, still rather humid conditions. This afternoon clouding over with southeasterlies spreading in and a period of mainly light rain. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 23.7 degrees. Arrowtown 27.6 degrees. Kinloch 24.0 degrees. Wanaka 24.1 degrees. Kingston 29.1 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterlies 30 kph changing southeasterly early afternoon. At 2000 metres northwesterlies 50 kph easinbg to 20 kph this morning and changing southeasterly this afternoon. Freezing level lowering to 2800 metres tonight. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown and Wanaka 26 degrees. Kingston and Glenorchy 28 degrees. Cromwell and Alexandra 29 degrees.

Tomorrow cloudy to overcast with occasional rain in the morning but increasing fine periods by the afternoon. Light southeasterly breezes and cooler temperatures.

Saturday and Sunday a little cloud possible otherwise otherwise fine and sunny with light variable winds and temperatures rising again.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Saturday 17th December.

2011-12-14T09:29:00.001+13:00

A large, blocking anticyclone is slow moving southeast of the Chatham Islands. It is drifting slowly southeastwards but still holding back most weather systems. A very moist, humid, subtropical northerly airstream covers New Zealand while a deepening depression in the central Tasman Sea remains very slow moving. It continues to deepen and has several active fronts associated with it both west and south of the country. One very active front lying west of the North Island and upper South Island will slowly cross the country today and tomorrow morning bringing widespread heavy rain to northern and western districts of both islands. The Southern Lakes and Central Otago are expecting some rain today but away from the western ranges it should be mainly light to moderate. The high to the southeast will move a little further away by Friday allowing the low to move to the south of the South Island and then out to the east with winds turning cooler south to southeasterly and further periods of rain. An anticyclone in the south Tasman Sea by then will push a ridge of high pressure oer the south of the South Island giving a mainly fine weekend.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for overcast skies with widespread rain about the western ranges, sometimes heavy there, but a little lighter elsewhere. Light winds, mainly northerly and warm humid conditions continuing. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 28.6 degrees. Arrowtown 30.5 degrees. Kinloch 28.7 degrees. Wanaka 27.9 degrees. Kingston 32.1 degrees. All centres recorded their warmest day this summer. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northerlies 50 kph in exposed places. At 2000 metres northerly gale 80 kph. Freezing level above 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown and Glenorchy 25 degrees. Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 24 degrees. For Kingston, Cromwell and Alexandra 26 degrees.

Tomorrow widespread rain in all districts with warm north to northwesterly winds, changing cool southeasterlies in the afternoon.

Friday cool south to southeasterly winds mainly moderate with occasional showers but some increasing fine intervals as well.

Saturday mostly fine conditions apart from a little cloud. Light winds south to southwesterly predominating.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Oago up until Friday 16th December.

2011-12-13T09:45:00.001+13:00

A large, stationary anticyclone lies southeast of the Chatham Islands and is blocking any change to the weather over New Zealand where a moist and humid north to northeasterly airstream covers the country. Several active fronts lie over the country. One front lies over Auckland. Another lies west of the North Island, stretching down to Nelson while another lies to the east of the South Island. Still other fronts lies south of the South Island. A depression which formed off the north NSW coast a few days ago now lies over the northwest Tasman Sea and is moving southeastwards. The blocking high to the east will ensure the depression remains in the Tasman Sea over the next couple of days, maintaining the moist northeasterly airstream over New Zealand. The high will eventually move off to the east by about Friday, allowing the low in the Tasman to move to the southeast of the South Island bringing a cooler southerly change and rain to most districts.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine, sunny weather this morning but with increasing and thickening upper level cloud during the afternoon. Light northerly winds and temperatures very warm and humid. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 27.0 degrees. Arrowtown 29.6 degrees. Kinloch 28.0 degrees Wanaka 24.6 degrees. Kingston 28.6 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northerlies 30 kph from evening. At 2000 metres northerlies 30 kph by evening,rising to 50 kph tonight. Freezing level above 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown 27 degrees. Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 26 degrees. Kingston and Glenorchy 28 degrees. Cromwell and Alexandra 29 degrees.

Tomorrow widespread rain about the western ranges, heavy at times. Periods of rain at times elsewhere. Fresh northeasterly winds and still very warm.

Thursday overcast with widespread rain, still heavy at times about the western ranges. Fresh northerly winds and warm temperatures but winds changing cooler south to southwesterlies by evening.

Friday cloudy with cool southerlies and occasional showers in most places. The southerlies will be fresh and gusty.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Thursday 15th December.

2011-12-12T09:32:00.001+13:00

A large, intense anticyclone lies stationary to the southeast of the Chatham Islands. It should lie in this position for the majority of this week and be a true, blocking anticyclone, precluding any weather systems from crossing New Zealand. A moist north to northeasterly airstream covers the country and this will persist up until Thursday at least. Small lows are passing southeastwards off the south Tasman Sea to the area south of the South Island and away to the south. A developing depression lies over the northern NSW coast and will move southeastwards into the central Tasman Sea while still deepening. This low will maintain the north to northeasterly airstream over the country. An active front lies to the west of New Zealand, stretching from Cape Reings southwards to just west of Puysegur Pont. This front will bring considerable rain to the north and west of both islands.By Thursday the low in the Tasman will move southeastwards across the South Island as the high to the southeast starts to move further away. By Friday cooler southerlies will spread in with rain spreading to eastern districts.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for cloudy weather at first but mostly clearing during the morning. Light to moderate northerlies and warm or very warm temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 27.4 degrees. Arrowtown 29.8 degrees. Kinloch 27.3 degrees. Wanaka 27.2 degrees. Kingston 29.2 degrees. Forcast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northerlies tending northwest and easing to 30 kph this afternoon. At 2000 metres northwest gale 70 kph gradually easing to 30 kph. Freezing level above 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Glenorchy 25 degrees. Kingston 26 degrees. Cromwell and Alexandra 29 degrees.

Tomorrow and Wednesday cloudy skies with rain about the western ranges and headwaters and a few spots from time to time elsewhere. Light to moderate northerlies tomorrow, freshening on Wednesday. Temperatures continuing warm or very warm.

Thursday overcast skies with rain about the western ranges and light northerlies, tending moderate south to southwesterlies with rain becoming general elsewhere. Becoming cooler.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Wednesday 14th December

2011-12-11T09:27:00.001+13:00

A large anticyclone centered just south of the Chatham Islands is slow moving but drifting very slowly eastwards. It still extends back over New Zealand but a north to northeasterly airstream is gradually encroaching onto the country ahead of a deepening depression in the central Tasman Sea which is moving southwards. An active front lying from its centre to just north of Northland should move onto the country this morning while the strengthening northeasterly airstream should bring rain to western districts of both islands by later today. The low should move to the south of the South Island by tomorrow while a further depresion should deepen off the NSW coast tomorrow and deepen quickly as it moves into the central Tasman Sea on Tuesday. This will maintain the north to northeasterly airstream over the country for several days with rain becoming widespread over the Southern Lakes by Wednesday. The depression will move away to the southeast on Thursday with southerlies developing and widespread rain continuing.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine weather at first but with increasing upper level cloud during the day. Scattered rain will develop about the western ranges during the evening and a few spots will spread further eastwards to other areas tonight. Little or no rain is likely about Central Otago though. Warm temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 27.3 degrees. Arrowtown 28.1 degrees. Kinloch 24.4 degrees. Wanaka 26.1 degrees. Kingston no report. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northerlies rising to 60 kph. At 2000 metres northerlies rising to gale 70 kph. Freezing level above 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today are Queenstown 25 degrees. Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Glenorchy 24 degrees. Kingston 26 degree. Cromwell 27 degrees. Alexandra 28 degrees.

Tomorrow much high cloud with rain about the western ranges and a little brief, light rain elsewhere. Moderate to fresh north to northwestertly winds and continuing warm temperatures.

Tuesday and Wednesday widespread rain about the western ranges and headwaters, possibly heavy on Wednesday. Elsewhere some light rain on Tuesday but becoming more widespread and persistant on Wednesday. Moderate to fresh north to northwesterlies, strong in exposed areas on Wednesday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Tuesday 13th December.

2011-12-10T09:27:00.001+13:00

A large and intense anticyclone lies stationary just to the east of Canterbury and covers the whole country. The 1020 hpl isobar still encircles the whole country. This high is expected to remain in this position for several days now and cause a blocking effect, not allowing any major weather systems to move onto the country. A depression which formed a couple of days ago off the southern Queensland coast is moving southwards through the north Tasman Sea. It has a strengthening northeasterly airstream on its eastern side and this should spread onto northern and western districts of both islands by later tomorow. An active front associated with the low is being held back by the high at the moment but will move southwards over northern North Island areas on Monday. The low should move to the south of the South Island by Tuesday although another active depression will form off the NSW coast by then and move towards the South Island while deepening.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine weather after morning cloud clears. Slightly hazy at first. Light variable winds this morning tending northerly this afternoon. Temperatures warm by this afternoon. Maximum temperatures recorded yeasterday were Queenstown 23.3 degrees. Arrowtown 24.5 degrees. Kinloch 21.4 degrees. Wanaka 24.7 dergees. Kingston no report. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres afternoon northerly breezes. At 2000 metres northerly developing, rising to 30 kph tonight. Freezing level above 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha, Glenorchy 25 degrees. Kingston 26 degrees. Cromwell 28 degrees. Alexandra 29 degrees.

Tomorrow remaining fine but with increasing upper level cloud during the day. North to northeasterly winds, fresh at times and strong in exposed areas.. Still warm or very warm.

Monday and Tuesday cloudy with rain about the western ranges and headwaters, possibly heavy at times and some brief rain elsewhere at times. Northerly winds dying away and remaining warm.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Monday 12th December.

2011-12-09T09:21:00.001+13:00

A large anticyclone covers the whole of New Zealand with the 1020 hpl isobar encircling the whole country. Highest presures are west of southern Westland, drifting slowly southwards, and east of Banks Peninsula, this centre being stationary. This high should continue to cover the country tomorrow before lying to the east on Sunday and possibly intensifying further. A depression lying off the southern Queensland coast is moving southeastwards towards New Zealand and deepening. It should spread a freshening north to northeasterly airstream over the country on Sunday with rain spreading to the north and west of both islands by nightfall. Rain should not affect the Southern Lakes before Monday though with fine, warm weather up until then.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine weather after the clearance of any early morning low cloud. Very little wind and temperatures becoming warmer. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 21.3 degrees. Arrowtown 23.1 degrees. Kinloch 22.3 degrees. Wanaka 21.6 degrees. Kingston 20.5 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres light and variable. At 2000 metres westerly breezes dying out. Freezing level rising to 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha, Kingston and Glenorchy 24 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 25 degrees.

Tomorrow any morning low cloud quickly clearing to another fine, sunny day with warm temperatures, possibly warmer than today, with light winds, mainly northerly.

Sunday still remaining fine although with some increase in upper level cloud during the day and north to northeasterlies freshening. Some rain at night about the western ranges and still warm.

Monday cloudy skies with widespread rain about the western ranges, possibly heavy at times and some lighter rain elsewhere from time to time. Moderate to fresh and warm northerly winds.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Sunday 11th December.

2011-12-08T09:18:00.001+13:00

A large, complex trough of low pressure is moving off to the east of New Zealand. A small disturbance line lies over the Bay of Plenty with a few showers there but most of New Zealand is cloudy or fine and dry this morning. A light southwesterly airstream still covers New Zealand and a cold front still well to the south may bring a few coastal showers to Southland but have no effect to inland districts. A large anticyclone in the south Tasman Sea to the east of Bass Strait is moving eastwards and will lie over the country during this weekend with fine weather in all districts. It is slowly intensifying and will be quite an intense system lying to the east of the country on Monday. Over the weekend a trough of low pressure will be lying off the south Queensland, northern NSW coast and move towards the upper North Island on Monday with widespread and often heavy rain over Auckland and Northland. A little isolated light rain is possible about the Lakes District later on Monday but fine weather will prevail up until then.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for quite extensive morning cloud at first, but this should mostly clear during the morning to fine weather with light winds and warm temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 23.3 degrees. Arrowtown 24.4 degrees. Kinloch 20.6 degrees. Wanaka 22.1 degrees. Kingston no report. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres light and variable. At 2000 metres southwesterly 30 kph. Freezing level about 2400 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 22 degrees. Glenorchy 21 degrees. Kingston, Cromwell and Alexandra 23 degrees.

Tomorrow and Saturday fine and sunny apart from areas of morning low cloud quickly clearing. Light and variable winds and warm temperatures.

Sunday continuing fine and dry although there will be a certain amount of upper level cloud spreading in during the afternoon. Light winds turning north or northeasterly and still warm.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Saturday 10th December.

2011-12-07T09:26:00.001+13:00

A large and complex trough of low pressure that has been covering New Zealand for the last several days is now moving slowly off to the east taking its assciated fronts with it although a front still lies over the centre of the North Island. A depression to the east of Canterbury is expected to deepen during today giving widespread and at times heavy rain over Canterbury from about Ashburton northwards. A small low west of Hamilton is giving a few showers over the upper North Island but the weather is fine over Otago and Southland. An anticyclone is centered east of Tasmania and should move eastwards over the south Tasman Sea during the next few days while intensifying. It already extends a ridge of high pressure to the south of the South Island and this will move up onto southern districts from tomorrow onwards. The anticyclone in the south Tasman should lie over New Zealand over the weekend and into the early part of next week giving an extended period of fine settled weather.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for mostly fine weather although a little scattered cloud at times. There is also the possibility of an isolated afternoon shower but this is only a slight chance and this will probably be about the western ranges. Very light winds, east to southeasterly predominating and tempertures mild to warm Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 17.8 degrees. Arrowtown 16.1 degrees. Kinloch 18.5 degrees, Wanaka 15.0 degrees. Kingston 20.9 degrees. Forecast upper lever winds for today at 1000 metres light and variable. At 2000 metres easterlies dying out this morning and southwesterly 35 kph developing towards evening. Freezing level 2500 metres.

Tomorrow apart from some early morning low cloud it will be a fine, sunny day with light, variable winds and warm temperatures.

Friday and Saturday and quite probably much longer an extended period of fine, settled weather will prevail with mostly clear skies, light winds and warm temperatures. There may be an isolated shower or two about the western ranges later in the afternoons.

Forecast Delayed

2011-12-06T10:38:00.001+13:00

Regrets... David has moved house, and struck a problem with the phone wiring, so no forecast this morning. The job is booked in with Telecom so hopefully he'll be up and running soon.

Cheers

Donald

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Thursday 8th December.

2011-12-05T09:27:00.000+13:00

A large anticyclone centered well to the east of the Chatham Islands is very slow moving. A weak but complex trough of low pressure is crossing New Zealand with a cold front lying along the west coast of the North Island. A stationary front lies over Buller and northwest Nelson while a further stationary front lies from Banks Peninsula then out eastwards. A very weak stationary front lies just to the south of Stewart Island but will have no effect on the weather over the Southern Lakes. A further small depression lies in the central Tasman Sea, moving slowly southwards at the moment but expected to move towards the North Island tomorrow. A large anticyclone centered southwest of Tasmania extends a ridge of high pressure eastwards to the south of the South Island. This will extend onto Otago and Southland from later today and persist for several days, while the anticyclone moves into the central Tasman tomorrow and then lies over New Zealand by later in the week.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for extensive cloud at first but dry with light variable winds. The cloud should partially clear later in the morning with longer sunny intervals. Temperature mild to warm. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 26.7 degrees. Arrowtown 25.2 degrees. Kinloch 26.2 degrees. Wanaka 25.5 degrees. Kingston no report.

Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres southeasterly 30 kph. At 2000 metres easterly 30 kph. Freezing level 2600 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Kingston and Glenorchy 23 degrees. For Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 22 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 24 degrees.

Tomorrow mostly cloudy but dry although a few afternoon showers are possible about the western ranges. Light east to southeasterly breezes and mild temperatures.

Wednesday and Thursday any morning low cloud should mostly clear to fine days with light and variable winds and temperatures warm.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Wednesday 7th December.

2011-12-04T09:28:00.001+13:00

A large anticyclone is very slow moving out to the east of the Chatham Islands and extends back onto much of the North Island. It is drifting very slowly eastwards but will still extend its influence over the northeast of the North Island through until tomorrow. A mild and rather moist northerly airstream covers most of the North Island and the northern half of the South Island. A small trough line lies over Northland while an active cold front is slow moving over the north of the South Island. This will give extensive rain over the central parts of the country. A further cold front is moving slowly northwards over South Canterbury with a few showers. A small depression well south of Stewart Island is moving away quite quickly southeastwards. An anticyclone lies in the north Tasman Sea moving eastwards towards the top of the North Island. A further large anticyclone lies well to the west of Tasmania and will extend a ridge of high pressure onto southern parts of the South Island from tomorrow where mainly fine weather will prevail for the next several days. The anticyclone will remain slow moving in the south Tasman Sea tomorrow and will gradually move onto the South Island by later in the week.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine, mainly sunny weather with light winds between north and west and mild to warm temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 22.2 degrees. Arrowtown 24.9 degrees. Kinloch 22.6 degrees. Wanaka 21.8 degrees. Kingston 23.3 degrees.. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterlies dying out this morning. At 2000 metres northwest 30 kph, dying out tonight. Freezing level 2700 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Kingston and Glenorchy 23 degrees. For Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 22 degrees. For Cromwell 24 degrees. For Alexandra 25 degrees.

Tomorrow mainly fine and clear with light variable winds and warm temperatures.

Tuesday and Wednesday cloudy but mainly dry although the odd, brief shower is possible. Light winds, west to southwesterly prevailing and warm temperatures.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Tuesday 6th December.

2011-12-03T09:29:00.001+13:00

A large, intense anticyclone lies very slow moving to the east of the Chatham Islands. It has lost a little of its intensity but is still pretty intense and extends back over the North Island. A mild and very cloudy northerly airstream covers the South Island ahead of a depression in the south Tasman Sea to the west of Fiordland, moving southeastwards. It should move over the south of the South Island with an associated cold front expected to move over southern districts later today with widespread rain about the western ranges but lighter and more scattered rain elsewhere. This should clear tomorrow in eastern areas but remain about western areas for a time as a ridge of high pressure from an anticyclone in the western Tasman Sea moves closer. Showers should continue about the western ranges up until Tuesday but it will be fine elsewhere.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for cloudy to overcast skies but dry for much of the day although rain will develop about the western ranges this afternoon. probably spreading to other areas by this evening. Northerly winds becoming fresh in exposed areas with mild temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 19.8 degrees. Arrowtown 24.5 degrees. Kinloch 21.6 degrees. Wanaka 20.1 degrees, Kingston no report. Forecast upper level winds at 1000 metres northerlies rising to gale 70 kph during the afternoon, easing during the evening. At 2000 metres northerly 50 kph rising to severe gale 100 kph this afternoon, easing tonight. Freezing level 3000 metres, lowering to 2600 metres this evening. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Glenorchy 20 degrees. For Kingston 21 degrees. For Cromwell 22 degrees. For Alexandra 23 degrees.

Tomorrow occasional showers in western areas but mainly fine further east. Northerly winds dying away and tending south or southeasterly at night. Becoming cooler.

Monday and Tuesday still a few showers about the western ranges and headwaters, some of which may be heavy but mostly fine with light winds elsewhere.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Monday 5th December.

2011-12-02T09:40:00.001+13:00

A very intense anticyclone (central pressure 1040 hpl) is absolutely stationary out to the east of the Chatham Islands. It will remain stationary for at least another 24 hours yet blocking all movement in weather systems across the New Zealand area. It extends westwards onto the North Island and northern parts of the South Island. A broad trough of low presure extends from southern Queensland southeastwards across the Tasman to just west of Pusegur Point. The embedded front is stationary and will remain in this position until Sunday when it will drift slowly northwards over the South Island. A small depression will move across the upper South Island on Sunday as the high moves a little further away. Southeasterlies will develop later Sunday and into Monday with occasional rain and temperatures becoming colder. Some brief snow is posible to low levels on the mountains by Monday. An anticyclone in the Australian Bight should be pushing into the western Tasman Sea by Monday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for quite extensive cloud at first this morning but slowly clearing to a fine day with very little wind. Temperatures becoming warm by this afternoon. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 23.8 degrees. Arrowtown 25.1 degrees. Kinloch 22.5 degrees. Wanaka 22.6 degrees. Kingston 27.6 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northerlies gusting 40 kph in exposed places. At 2000 metres northwesterly rising to 65 kph by early afternoon. Freezing level 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 23 degrees. For Kingston 25 degrees. For Glenorchy 22 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 26 degrees.

Tomorrow extensive upper level cloud with rain developing about the wetern ranges, becoming heavy there at times. Elsewhere dry at first but rain spreading further eastwards to other areas by evening. North to northwesterly winds freshening, strong in exposed areas. Still warm

Sunday cloudy to overcast with rain in all areas and northerly winds dying away. Becoming colder with snow level lowering on the mountains.

Monday still unsettled with rain at times and winds turning to cold southeasterlies. Snow may lower further on the mountains, possibly to 7 or 800 metres.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Sunday 4th December.

2011-12-01T09:28:00.000+13:00

A large and very intense anticyclone has become slow moving out near the Chatham Islands but still extends back over most of New Zealand where it will remain through until the weekend. A small trough lies over North Westland but most of the country is dry this morning. A cold front extends from NSW then across the south Tasman Sea to well out west of Puysegur Point. This cold front will struggle to move much further eastwards due to the intensifying anticyclone east of New Zealand but a freshening northwesterly airstream is spreading onto the southwest of the South Island. This may bring a few showers to southern Fiordland tonight. The front is not expected to make landfall before later on Saturday. The intense anticyclone east of New Zealand should finally move further away by Saturday, allowing a small depression to cross the South Island on Sunday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine, sunny weather with virtually no cloud. Light winds between north and west and temperatures becoming very warm by this afternoon. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 26.7 degrees. Arrowtown 27.1 degrees. Kinloch 25.2 degrees Wanaka 24.4 degrees. Kingston 27.6 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterly 50 kph in exposed places. At 2000 metres northwest gale of 75 kph. Freezing level 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 25 degrees. Kingston and Glenorchy 26 degrees. Cromwell and Alexandra 27 degrees.

Tomorrow continuing fine, clear and sunny with light to moderate north to northwesterly winds and again very warm.

Saturday still fine and dry but with considerable upper level cloud. Rain developing about the western ranges but still dry elsewhere. Northerlies freshening to become strong in exposed areas and fresh elsewhere. Very warm temperatures.

Sunday overcast with general rain, heavy about the western ranges but lighter elsewhere. Fresh, gusty northerly winds dying away and still warm.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Saturday 3rd December.

2011-11-30T09:28:00.001+13:00

A large anticyclone with centres both east and west of the country covers New Zealand. A small centre lies west of Westland while the main centre lies east of Banks Peninsula, both centres moving slowly eastwards. A small trough line lies west of the upper North Island while a further trough line in an increasing northwesterly airstream may just brush the Foveaux Strait area this morning. Pressures are falling to the south of Tasmania but this low pressure area will not affect New Zealand for several days as the main high presure centre east of Banks Peninsula will become slow moving from tomorrow out to the east and intensify considerably. This will block the passage of all weather systems over the country until the weekend although a strengthening northwesterly airstream will spread onto New Zealand. This will bring some warm conditions over the next few days.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine, clear and sunny weather all day with light westerly winds, tending north northwesterlies by later in the day. Temperatures will also become very warm by this afternoon. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 19.9 degrees. Arrowtown 21.0 degrees. Kinloch 18.5 degrees. Wanaka 20.1 degrees. Kingston no report.. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterlies 20 kph, rising to 40 kph this afternoon. At 2000 metres northwesterlies 20 kph rising to 40 kph this evening. Freezing level above 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 27 degrees. For Kingston and Glenorchy 28 degrees. For Cromwell 29 degrees. For Alexandra 30 degrees.

Tomorrow and Friday fine and clear weather continuing with freshening north to northwesterlies and daytime temperatures still very warm.

Saturday fine but with increasing upper level cloud and fresh northerly winds, strong in exposed areas. Temperatures still very warm. Rain spreading to the western ranges during the day but dry elsewhere.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Friday 2nd December.

2011-11-29T09:23:00.001+13:00

A disturbed southwesterly airstream flows to the east of the country with a cold front moving northwards over Gisborne. A further cold front is moving off the top of Northland. All other cold fronts lie well offshore to the east. An anticyclone lies in the central Tasman Sea, moving eastwards. It is already extending over much of New Zealand. It should lie over New Zealand during the next couple of days, then lie to the east of the country by Thursday where it will intensify and become very slow moving. A northerly airstream will move onto the country from tomorrow and continue until Saturday bringing warm tmperatures. As the anticyclone intensifies to the east, it will hold back a cold front that was expected to arrive over southern districts by Friday. This will now reach southern districts on Saturday in a somewhat weakened form.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine, sunny and clear weather with light winds, chiefly between west and north and temperatures rising this afternoon. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 17.6 degrees. Arrowtown 20.0 degrees. Kinloch 22.7 degrees. Wanaka 23.1 degrees. Kingston 16.6 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres southwest breezes, turning northwest this evening. At 2000 metres southwest 50 kph easing and tending westerly later. Freezing level rising to 2800 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Kingston 19 degrees. For Glenorchy 21 degrees. For Cromwell 22 degrees. For Alexandra 23 degrees.

Tomorrow fine and sunny with light winds tending northerly and temperatures becoming much warmer.

Thursday and Friday continuing fine and sunny with light north to northwesterly winds and temperatures warm or very warm.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Thursday 1st December.

2011-11-28T09:30:00.001+13:00

A large anticyclone lies to the northeast of the North Island and extends onto northern districts. A northwesterly airstream covers the remainder of the country ahead of a broad trough of low presure in the Tasman, moving onto the South Island and southern North Island districts. Four fronts are lying within this trough, a warm front and three cold fronts, all lined up in the south Tasman Sea to the west of the South Island. One cold front is expected to cross southern districts later this morning while the others will affect mainly western districts. The trough will be moving away to the east tomorrow while an anticyclone will move into the central Tasman Sea and spread onto New Zealand, affecting the country through until the weekend, bringing fine weather.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for cloudy skies this morning with some light rain at times, heavier about the western ranges. Little wind at first but southwesterlies developing later this morning with the weather clearing by midday to cloudy or partly cloudy, dry conditions. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 27.5 degrees, (the warmest temperature so far this season) Arrowtown 26.0 degrees. Kinloch 26.3 degrees. Wanaka 25.3 degrees. Kingston no report. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterlies 60 kph, turning southwest 40 kph this morning, then dying out by this evening. At 2000 metres northwest gale 80 kph, easing to westerly 50 kph by midday. Freezing level gradually lowering to 1600 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Glenorchy 18 degrees. For Kingston 19 degrees. Cromwell and Alexandra 20 degrees.

Tomorrow some morning low cloud at first but soon clearing to a fine, sunny day with light winds, westerlies prevailing. Temperatures becoming warmer again.

Wednesday and Thursday fine and sunny with light west to northwesterly winds and warm temperatures.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Wednesday 30th November.

2011-11-27T09:25:00.001+13:00

A southwesterly airstream now lies to the east of New Zealand while an anticyclone is centered west northwest of Cape Reinga and moving eastwards. It is expected to spread onto the whole country today before moving off to the east tomorrow. A weak cold front lies over the northeastern tip of East Cape and will move away this morning. A depression which lay over Victoria yesterday has now drifted southeastwards and lies ove the eastern side of Bass Strait. It should move quickly over the south Tasman Sea later today and tomorrow before passing to the south of the South Island during tomorrow. An associated cold front will move quickly up onto southern districts tomorrow morning with a brief period of rain, heavy about western districts before moving away to the east early on Tuesday. A large anticyclone will cover most of New Zealand during Tuesday through until Thursday. Another trough with a cold front will reach southern districts later Thursday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine weather this morning but with increasing upper level cloud during the afternoon. Rain will develop about the western ranges this evening with a few falls spreading further east tonight. Light to moderate westerly winds tending northerly this afternoon and freshening further. Temperatures becoming warm, even very warm in some places. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 24.0 degrees. Arrowtown 20.0 degrees. Kinloch 22.9 degrees. Wanaka 22.3 degrees. Kingston no report. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres westerlies tending northerly in the afternoon and rising to gale 70 kph tonight. At 2000 metres northwesterly rising to severe gale 100 kph during the afternoon, easing to gale 80 kph tonight. Freezing level lowering to 3000 metres by this evening. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Glenorchy 24 degrees. Kingston 25 degrees. Cromwell and Alexandra 26 degrees.

Tomorrow overcast with widespread rain, heavy at times about the western ranges and headwaters but generally clearing by evening. Moderate winds between north and west, decreasing then turning cooler southwesterlies later in the morning and dying away.

Tuesday and Wednesday fine and sunny although with some cloud at times. Light winds, turning north to northwesterly on Wednesday. Warm temperatures.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Tuesday 29th November.

2011-11-26T09:27:00.001+13:00

A southwesterly airstream continues to flow over New Zealand. It is still strong but moderating this morning as an anticyclone in the central Tasman Sea moves a little closer to the country. A couple of cold fronts in this airstream are brushing up the east coast of the Wairarapa and the Kaikoura coast but in general most of New Zealand is dry this morning. The high in the central Tasman is moving east northeastwards towards the upper North Island. A depression lies over Victoria and will move across the Tasman Sea tomorrow with an associated cold front moving onto the lower South Island later on Monday. The strengthening northwest flow ahead of it will spread onto western parts of the South Island by early Monday with widespread rain there. The front will bring a cooler southwest change and showers later in the day. Fine weather will prevail again with decreasing southwesterlies on Tuesday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine, sunny weather with moderate to fresh but decreasing west to southwesterly winds. Temperatures will be warm again by this afternoon. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 21.7 degrees. Arrowtown 23.2 degrees. Kinloch 20.5 degrees. Wanaka 22.4 degrees. Kingston 22.0 degrees.. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres southwesterlies 50 kph at times, and gusting 70 kph in exposed valleys until afternoon, then dying away tonight. At 2000 metres gale southwesterlies 90 kph easing to 70 kph this afternoon and evening. Freezing level above 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Glenorchy 19 degrees. For Kingston and Cromwell 20 degrees. For Alexandra 21 degrees.

Tomorrow Fine and sunny but with increasing upper level cloud from afternoon. Winds turning west to northwesterly and freshening during the day. Some rain about the western ranges by evening. Temperatures warm.

Monday rain in most areas but more particularly about the western ranges where some heavy falls are possible. Fresh northerlies changing cooler southwesterlies by evening with a period of showers in all areas.

Tuesday a little cloud at first but becoming fine in the morning with light to moderate southwesterlies dying away.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Monday 28th November.

2011-11-25T09:51:00.001+13:00

A very strong southwesterly pressure gradient covers New Zealand and the seas surrounding the country with gales or severe gales in many areas. A large anticyclone lies centered over Tasmania and extends northeastwards to the upper half of the North Island which is the only part of New Zealand not expecting strong or gale force winds. A cold front is moving quickly up the coast of the Wairarapa while further cold fronts are moving up from the south and will affect coastal areas of Southland and Otago. This very strong airstream should ease back somewhat tomorrow as the high over Tasmania gets a little closer and the pressure gradient eases. A ridge of high pressure will spread briefly across the country on Sunday although it will be weak and move through fairly quickly. A depression over NSW will move closer on Sunday with the airstream turning more northwesterly by later in the day. A further front will move onto southern districts Monday morning.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for upper level cloud at times otherwise mainly fine. Winds between west and southwesterly will be fresh and gusty in all areas and strong to gale force about exposed places where some severe gusts are possible at times. Temperatures mild. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 19.1 degrees. Arrowtown 18.4 degrees. Kinloch 20.2 degrees. Wanaka 19.5 degrees. Kingston 19.1 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres westerly rising to severe gale 100 kph through exposed valleys, easing to 50 kph this evening. At 2000 metres westerlies rising to severe gale 120 kph, tending southwest 100 kph this evening. Freezing level lowering to 1800 metres during the evening. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha, Kingston and Glenorchy 19 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 21 degrees.

Tomorrow fine, sunny and mild with fresh to strong southwesterly winds decreasing during the day.

Sunday continuing fine but with increasing high cloud during the day. Winds tending back west to northwesterly and freshening.

Monday rain about the western ranges, spreading at times elsewhere. Fresh west to northwesterlies, backing more southwesterly during the day and becoming cooler.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Sunday 27th November.

2011-11-24T09:50:00.001+13:00

A very disturbed west to southwesterly airstream covers New Zealand and the eastern Tasman Sea. Pressures are low southeast of the Chatham Islands while an anticyclone is centered in the eastern Australian Bight. There are many fronts on the weather map this morning, most of them are east of the country although there is a cold front over the middle of the North Island with others over Taranaki and northwest Nelson. Showers are expected to become less frequent over the North Island while the South Island is mainly fine this morning apart from rain about northwest Nelson. A further cold front is now moving onto southeastern Otago with a few showers developing there. Another front is approaching the southwest corner of the South Island. It should fracture as it arrives over Puysegur Point later today with part of it moving up the west coast and the eastern side of it moving up coastal areas of Otago and Southland. Southwesterlies to westerlies will prevail up until Saturday with rain and showers now confined to the western ranges and headwaters and partly cloudy mainly dry elsewhere.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine weather although a little cloud at times and some rain about the western ranges and headwaters. A few showers may spread to other parts of the Southern Lakes by this evening. Westerly winds, possibly fresh at times and strong in some exposed areas. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 18.8 degrees. Arrowtown 23.0 degrees. Kinloch 19.1 degrees. Wanaka 20.6 degrees. Kingston 21.4 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres westerlies gusting 80 kph in exposed places. At 2000 metres southwesterly gale rising to severe gale 90 kph this morning. Freezing level 2100 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown and Glenorchy 15 degrees. For Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Kingston 16 degrees. For Cromwell 17 degrees. For Alexandra 18 degrees.

Tomorrow further rain about the western ranges but cloudy dry weather elsewhere until the afternoon when a few showers will spread to most areas. Fresh southwesterlies, strong in exposed areas and becoming colder with snow possibly lowering to 1000 metres.

Saturday any early morning showers will clear; these will be mainly about the western ranges. Southwesterlies will still be fresh at first but decreasing and turning more westerly. Temperatures a little milder.

Sunday should be fine and sunny with light west to northwesterly winds and mild temperatures.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up untill Saturday 26th November.

2011-11-23T09:47:00.001+13:00

A strengthening northwesterly airstream is flowing over New Zealand with an anticyclone lying stationary north of the North Island and pressures low south of the Tasman Sea. Between these two systems pressure gradient is expected to become very tight with northwest gales in exposed areas. A front is moving slowly southwards over the tip of Northland while several cold fronts lie in the south Tasman Sea and south of the South Island. One active front still west of Puysegur Point will condense the pressure gradient ahead of it as it moves slowly up the South Island today with widespread and frequently heavy rain in western districts with lighter rain spreading eastwards at times and strong north to northwest wind in many places. Several more cold fronts will follow in the next few days bringing periods of showers and temperatures becoming colder. Sunday looks like being the first really fine day.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for cloudy skies with rain about the western ranges, heavy at times and lighter falls spreading eastwards at times from late morning. Moderate to fresh northerly winds, strong in exposed areas but decreasing later. There should be a general clearance by this evening. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 14.4 degrees. Arrowtown 22.6 degrees. Kinloch 17.7 degrees. Wanaka 18.2 degrees. Kingston 20.9 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northerly 40 kph tending westerly and easing. At 2000 metres westerlies 60 kph. Freezing level 2000 metres lowering to 1600 metres this evening. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown and Glenorchy 17 degrees. For Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Kingston 18 degrees. For Cromwell 19 degrees. For Alexandra 20 degrees.

Tomorrow rain continuing around the western ranges but cloudy, dry weather elsewhere until some rain spreads further eastwards to other areas by nightfall. Fresh westerly winds , strong and gusty in exposed areas. Becoming cooler.

Friday remaining cloudy to overcast with rain about the western ranges, falling as snow at higher levels. Occasional rain elsewhere at times with snow lowering to 1000 metres. Strong, gusty westerlies, turning more southwesterly during the day and becoming colder.

Saturday scattered rain in all areas but improving during the day. Strong west to southwesterly winds decreasing during the day.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Friday 25th November.

2011-11-22T09:32:00.001+13:00

A deep depression lies southeast of the Chatham Islands moving away southeastwards. An anticyclone lies north northeast of the North Island and extends over the North Island and the northern half of the South Island. A weak cold front lies almost stationary over Cape Reinga. A westerly airstream flows over the south Tasman Sea and southern parts of the South Island with cold fronts passing eastwards in this airstream. A weak, warm front is brushing the southeast coast of Otago while a cold front stretches from northeastern Tasmania, across the south Tasman to west of Puysegur Point. Further fronts are expected to move over the South Island during the next few days, affecting mainly western districts. These fronts will weaken as they move up the west coast of the South Island. One reasonably active cold front will move onto southern districts tonight with rain and cooler temperatures. Tomorrow rain and fresh westerlies will prevail. Rain will prevail at times through Thursday and Friday with cool westerlies.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine, sunny weather, although some increase in high level cloud during this afternoon. Rain will develop about the western ranges by this evening, spreading elsewhere overnight tonight with fresh west to northwesterlies. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 14.3 degrees, Arrowtown 13.2 degrees. Kinloch 15.2 degrees. Wanaka no report. Kingston 12.6 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northerlies 50 kph, rising to 70 kph at times in exposed valleys. At 2000 metres westerlies rising to gale 80 kph. Freezing level rising to 2000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 18 degrees. For Kingston and Glenorchy 17 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 19 degrees.

Tomorrow cloudy to overcast with rain in all areas. Some heavy falls may occur about the western ranges and headwaters. West to northwesterlies, strong and gusty in exposed areas and fresh elsewhere. Moderate temperatures.

Thursday and Friday cloudy with persistant rain continuing about the western ranges and a few lighter falls elsewhere. There could be further heavy falls about the western ranges on Friday Very little rain about Central Otago. Fresh westerlies, strong in exposed areas, possibly gusting to gale force. Moderate temperatures.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Wednesday 23rd November.

2011-11-20T09:33:00.001+13:00

A large anticyclone situated just west of Cape Reinga is moving eastwards and covers the North Island while a depression far to the southeast of the Chatham Islands moves away. A southwesterly airstream has moved off the country to the east. A warm front lies just off Puysegur Point while a fresh to strong, moist northwesterly airstream ahead of it is moving onto southwestern districts. This will bring some very heavy rain to Fiordland which will spread into the western ranges this morning. General rain will then move to the Southern Lakes with scattered falls in Central Otago. The warm front is followed quickly by an active cold front with these two merging and slowing down as they move onto southern districts, due to the blocking influence of the high over the North Island. The front will then move very slowly up over the South Island tomorrow bringing widespread rain with a southeasterly wind change over Otago and Southland later tomorrow. A very weak ridge of high pressure should cross southern districts on Tuesday before another cold front with further rain affects southern districts on Wednesday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for cloudy to overcast skies with freshening west to northwesterly winds. Rain in the western ranges from afternoon becoming heavy there. Moderate rain spreading to other Southern Lakes districts during the afternoon and scattered falls about Central Otago. Moderate to mild afternoon temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 22.7 degrees. Arrowtown 21.8 degrees. Kinloch 21.9 degrees. Wanaka 19.8 degrees. Kingston 19.5 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northgwesterlies gusts 60 kph in exposed places, easing by this evening. At 2000 metres severe westerly gale 90 kph easing tonight to 40 kph. Freezing level lowering to 2800 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Kingston and Glenorchy 18 degrees. For Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 17 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 20 degrees.

Tomorrow overcast with rain during the morning, still heavy about the western ranges. Becoming colder with snow lowering on the mountains. Improving during the afternoon and clearing by nightfall with light south or southeasterlies. Possibly a frost in sheltered parts at night.

Tuesday fine as a weak ridge crosses southern areas. Possibly some rain developing during the evening about the western ranges as a northwesterly airstream builds up. North to northwesterly winds freshening during the afternoon and becoming milder.

Wednesday a cold front should pass over during the day with southwesterly winds developing and a few showers.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Tuesday 22nd November/

2011-11-19T09:32:00.001+13:00

A deep depression centered east of the Chatham Islands is moving away slowly to the southeast while a light to moderate southwesterly airstream now covers New Zealand. An anticyclone centered in the north Tasman Sea is moving east northeastwards and should cross the North Island tomorrow. As it moves closer to the country pressure gradient is becoming much lighter over the country, while a ridge of high pressure extends southwards from it and this should cross over the south of the South Island today with a brief period of fine weather. An active frontal system is moving steadily across the south Tasman Sea with a warm front followed quickly by an active cold front. These should merge before reaching the Puysegur Point area later this evening. A freshening and very moist northwesterly airstream should move onto the Otago and Southland area tonight bringing heavy rain to Fiordland and the western ranges of Otago and Southland. The front should become very slow moving tomorrow, taking all day to move up the South Island. Consequently rainfall should be persistant and widespread tomorrow, heavy for much of the time about the western ranges although winds will die away. Later Monday the weather will clear as another weak ridge moves over us, but another cold front is expected by Wednesday with further rain.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for much high level cloud otherwise fine. Light southwesterlies turning north to northwesterly by this evening and freshening. Temperatures becoming milder this afternoon. Some rain will develop about the western ranges tonight. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 19.2 degrees. Arrowtown 15.5 degrees. Kinloch 17.1 degrees. Wanaka 16.6 degrees. Kingston 14.1 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres southwesterly at first, tending northwesterly by this evening with gusts 50 kph in exposed places tonight. At 2000 metres southwesterly easing to 35 kph by noon, turning westerly from evening. Westerly gale 70 kph tonight. Freezing level gradually rising to 3000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 18 degrees. Kingston and Glenorchy 17 degrees. For Cromwell 20 degrees. For Alexandra 21 degrees.

Tomorrow overcast with widespread rain in all districts, the rain heavy about the western ranges with some considerable falls probable there. Fresh north to northwesterly winds, decreasing during the day. Still mild.

Monday rain continuing through the morning then clearing as winds turn colder westerlies. Snow on the mountains. Winds dying away overnight with frosts possible.

Tuesday a fine, sunny day with light westerlies at first but freshening during the day. Temperatures remaining cool.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Monday 21st November.

2011-11-18T09:55:00.001+13:00

A fresh, cold and disturbed southwesterly airstream covers New Zealand. Pressures are lowest out to the east, just west of the Chatham Islands and also southeast of Otago. Cold fronts lie over Northland, a further one stretching from Taranaki then eastwards to the Wairarapa, A further one moving along the Otago coast and yet another one further to the south of Stewart Island. Some unseasonably cold air lies over the South Island and this will prevail through tomorrow as well after a moderate frost tonight. However a large anticyclone centered in the central Tasman Sea covers the whole Tasman and extends a broad ridge of high pressure southwards. This ridge will be moving onto the South Island tomorow but will be very short lived as another trough of low pressure is building south of Tasmania. A very moist northwesterly airstream will be moving onto the southwest of the South Island on Sunday with rain in most areas. Conditions will remain changeable and cool through the early part of next week with westerlies prevailing.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for cloudy skies at first this morning and possibly a few snow showers about the mountains. Moderate to fresh southwesterly winds decreasing. Conditions will clear to a partly cloudy, dry afternoon but temperatures will remain cool. Expect a moderate frost in many places tonight. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 14.8 degrees. Arrowtown 17.8 degrees. Kinloch 15.3 degrees. Wanaka 15.4 degrees. Kingston 16.8 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres southwesterly 60 kph gradually easing to 30 kph. At 2000 metres southwesterly severe gale 90 kph gradually easing to 60 kph. Freezing level rising to 1400 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka, Kingston 14 degrees. For Glenorchy 15 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 16 degrees.

Tomorrow a mainly fine day will prevail after a good frost in sheltered places. Light westerly winds. Possibly a few showers about the western ranges at night. Temperatures a little higher than today.

Sunday cloudy with freshening north to northwesterlies. Rain about the western ranges will become widespread and heavy at times with lighter falls spreading further eastwards during the day.

Monday cloudy but improving. Further widespread rain at first but clearing by afternoon. Winds backing more westerly and decreasing with temperatures still cool.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Sunday 20th November.

2011-11-17T09:30:00.001+13:00

Depressions are centered to the south of the South Island while a weak anticyclone north of the Tasman Sea is stationary. New Zealand is under the influence of a colder, very disturbed west to southwesterly airstream. Many fronts are on the surface analysis map this morning, mostly to the east of the country. One cold front lies over East Cape. Another warm and cold front are moving over Buller and western Nelson while a further cold front is crossing Puysegur Point this morning. This should move through the Southern Lakes and Central Otago later this afternoon, while further cold fronts are expected to move up from the southwest in the next few days, bringing changeable, colder showery periods briefly over the next few days. An anticyclone lies in the western Tasman Sea and will move slowly into the central Tasman tomorrow but remain very slow moving after that, maintaining this colder southwesterly airstream over the country with fronts, accompanied by brief showers periods moving over from time to time. A weak high pressure ridge may affect the southern areas on Saturday with fine conditions.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine, sunny weather this morning with light north to northwesterly winds and moderate temperatures. Increasing cloud this afternoon with a few showers developing then clearng again by evening. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 20.0 degrees. Arrowtown 21.4 degrees. Kinloch 18.8 degrees. Wanaka 18.5 degrees. Kingston 19.9 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwest gales 65 kph turning southwesterly this afternoon. At 2000 metres severe gale westerly 85 kph. Freezing level 1600 metres lowering to 1100 metres this evening. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Glenorchy 13 degrees. For Kingston 12 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 14 degrees.

Tomorrow cloudy with showers in the morning and light snow to 900 metres. Fresh west to southwesterly winds decreasing and temperatures rather cold. Light to moderate frosts are possible tomorrow night, especially in sheltered locations.

Saturday mainly fine and sunny after morning frosts with north to northwesterly winds freshening during the day. Rain about the western ranges by nighfall.

Sunday overcast with periods of rain, especially about the western ranges where rain could be heavy at times. West to northwesterly winds freshening, strong to gale about exposed areas. Temperatures remaining cool.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Saturday 19th November.

2011-11-16T09:29:00.001+13:00

A large anticyclone covers the north and central Tasman Sea, the north of the North Island and stretches over to another centre northeast of East Cape. The main centre is located just north of the north Tasman and is drifting westwards. A westerly airstream covers the south of the North Island and the north of the South Island while a southwesterly airstream flows over southern parts of the South Island. A small depression is located just east of Otago, moving away slowly southeastwards. The high centered in the central Tasman is pushing a ridge of high pressure to the southwest of the South Island and this should briefly move onto southern districts this morning. Cold fronts are located east of Otago and from western Nelson up to the west of the North Island. Another depression is moving quickly eastwards to the south of the Tasman Sea and its associated frontal system will move over southern districts this evening. Northwesterlies ahead of it will spread onto Fiordland with rain later this morning and to the western ranges this afternoon with a few falls spreading further eastwards this evening. A further front is expected to move on tomorrow afternoon or evening with showers and then a disturbed west to southwesterly airstream will prevail after that, right through the weekend with a few showers as fronts pass over and temperatures will become much colder.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is fine at first with light winds but cloud increasing by afternoon with rain in the western ranges and northerly winds freshening elsewhere. A few showers will spread further eastwards this evening. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 17.7 degrees. Arrowtown 20.9 degrees. Kinloch 17.7 degrees. Wanaka 17.7 degrees. Kingston 20.2 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterlies developing and rising to 65 kph this afternoon, easing tonight. At 2000 metres southwest 40 kph tending westerly gale of 70 kph this afternoon, easing tonight. Freezing level about 1700 metres, briefly rising to 2200 metres around midday. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Glenorchy 18 degrees. For Kingston and Cromwell 20 degrees. For Alexandra 21 degrees.

Tomorrow cloudy with rain continuing about the western ranges and a few showers elsewhere in the morning, clearing to a mainly fine afternoon. West to northwesterly winds, fresh and gusty in exposed areas, turning a little more west to southwesterly in the afternoon. Becoming a little cooler.

Friday fine and mostly sunny with fresh, gusty southwest winds and cool temperatures.

Saturday fine at first but rain developing about the western ranges in the afternoon and a few showers spreading elsewhere towards evening. Fresh westerly winds and cool temperatures.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Friday 18th November.

2011-11-15T09:44:00.001+13:00

A large anticyclone covers the northeastern Tasman Sea and the North Island and northern half of the South Island. It is slow moving and will continue to cover the North Island tomorrow as well. A trough of low pressure lies north to south through much of the Tasman Sea and is moving onto the south of the South Island. An embedded occluded front is approaching Puysegur Point and should pass over the Southern Lakes and Central Otago later this afternoon or this evening. Ahead of the front a strong north to northwesterly pressure gradient is moving onto Otago and Southland with rain spreading to the western ranges by midday and to other districts by this evening. Fresh southwesterlies will prevail behind the front. Another anticyclone over southeastern Australia will move into the Tasman Sea tomorrow and extend a weak and very brief ridge of high pressure down over the south of the South Island with fine weather at first, while the front moves over the North Island. Another front is expected later on Wednesday, probably at night with rain in the west and occasional showers elsewhere. Disturbed west to southwesterly conditions will then prevail through into the weekend.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine weather at first but cloud increasing during the day. Some rain will develop about the western ranges around midday and become heavy with a few showers spreading elsewhere by this evening. North to northwesterlies freshening and becoming strong or gale force in exposed areas during the morning. A change to fresh southwesterlies later this afternoon. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 21.3 degrees. Arrowtown 22.8 degrees. Kinloch 21.4 degrees. Wanaka 20.1 degrees. Kingston 20.2 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northerlies rising to 50 kph, gusting 70 kph in exposed valleys, tending southwesterly from afternoon and dying away. At 2000 metres northwesterly rising to gale 80 kph this morning, tending southwest 40 kph from this afternoon. Freezing level lowering to 1700 metres during the evening. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Glenorchy 19 degrees. Kingston 18 degrees. Cromwell 20 degrees. Alexandra 21 degrees.

Forecast for tomorrow mostly fine and sunny but rain developing again about the western ranges later in the day. Remaining dry elsewhere. Fresh west to northwesterly winds, easing a little at night.

Thursday periods of rain, heavy about the western ranges but lighter and occasional elsewhere. Fresh to strong westerly winds, gale force in exposed places. Temperatures cooler.

Friday mostly fine with fresh, gusty west to southwesterlies, strong in exposed areas.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Thursday 17th November.

2011-11-14T09:32:00.001+13:00

A very slack pressure gradient covers New Zealand. A depression is well out southeast of the Chatham Islands while an anticyclone covers the Tasman Sea. Both these systems are drifting slowly southeastwards. A small low with its associated frontal system lies over the Bay of Plenty while a further very weak low lies over South Westland with its associated cold front extending northwards up the west coast then out into the Tasman Sea. A weak occluded front lies over North Otago. All systems are very weak with the only showers over the country this morning being around Gisborne and Northern Hawkes Bay and Nelson. A deep depression lies southwest of Tasmania and should be moving south of the Tasman Sea tomorrow with its associated cold front expected to cross the Southern Lakes late tomorrow. This will bring a change to cooler southwest winds and showers tomorrow night. A further short lived weak ridge will cover southern districts on Wednesday before another cold front moves over on Wednesday night. Following this front a cooler and rather disturbed west to southwesterly airstream will cover the South Island through into the weekend.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for a little cloud at first but this should soon clear to a mostly fine, sunny day with light winds and temperatures becoming mild or warm by this afternoon. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 19.2 degrees. Arrowtown 19.4 degrees. Kinloch 20.2 degrees. Wanaka 19.4 degrees. Kingston 17.0 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres light and variable. At 2000 metres mainly light northwesterly 30 kph developing this evening. Freezing level rising to 2400 metres.

Tomorrow fine at first but becoming cloudy during the afternoon. Some rain about the western ranges in the evening and a few spots elsewehere. Freshening north to northwesterly winds tending lighter southwesterly later in the afternoon. Temperatures becoming cooler.

Wednesday any isolated showers at first clearing to a fine day although showers will redevelop later about the western ranges. West to northwesterly winds increasing and becoming strong in exposed areas.

Thursday cloudy to overcast with showers becoming widespread and becoming colder. Fresh to strong westerly winds. Some snow on the mountains down to about 1000 metres.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Wednesday 16th November.

2011-11-13T09:33:00.001+13:00

A shallow but complex trough has now moved off to the east of New Zealand. Most fronts associated with this trough have also moved off to the east but a few small, weak fronts still lie over the country, mostly the North Island. One small front lies over Nelson with others over Auckland, East Cape and northern Hawkes Bay. Another weak occluded front lies east of Banks Peninsula with a few isolated showers over Canterbury. A further weak front is moving across the south Tasman Sea and should cross the Southern Lakes and Central Otago later this afternoon with a few showers possible. A large anticyclone lies in the northwestern Tasman Sea and should extend a ridge of high pressure southeastwards over the South Island tomorrow behind the weak front. A further more active cold front will reach the Southern Lakes later on Tuesday with rain about the western ranges and occasional rain elsewhere. A temporary clearance is likely on Wednesday before another active cold front arrives on Thursday with colder, showery weather. Following this front a very disturbed and cold westerly airstream will prevail from later in the week.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for cloudy skies but mainly dry this morning with light, variable winds. A change later in the afternoon to moderate southwesterlies with a few showers, mainly about the western ranges and becoming cooler. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 16.2 degrees. Arrowtown 17.5 degrees. Kinloch 16.7 degrees. Wanaka 17.5 degrees. Kingston 13.3 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres light and variable. At 2000 metres southwesterlies 30 kph dying away this evening. Freezing level lowering to 1800 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Glenorchy 16 degrees. Kingston 15 degrees. Cromwell 18 degrees. Alexandra 19 degrees.

Tomorrow cloudy at first but becoming fine with light and variable winds and mild temperatures.

Tuesday much upper level cloud with rain developing about the western ranges and becoming heavy during the day. Lighter rain developing elsewhere with mild northerlies to northwesterlies but a change to colder southwesterlies later in the day with rain changing to showery periods.

Wednesday cloudy with winds veering back west to northwesterlies and freshening. Further rain about the western ranges, spreading elsewhere during the day. Temperatures rising again.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Tuesday 15th November.

2011-11-12T09:47:00.000+13:00

A depression east of East Cape is slow to move away but is weakening and producing a few showers over northeastern parts of the North Island. A weak trough of low pressure covers much of New Zealand with lowest centres west of Auckland, west of Nelson and just southeast of Banks Peninsula. An active cold front lies north to south just west of the North Island, west of the upper South Island, then across Mid Canterbury and away to the southeast of the South Island. Another weak cold front lies southwest of Puysegur Point but will have little effect on the weather in the Southern Lakes today. A large anticyclone in the northwestern Tasman Sea extends a broad ridge of high pressure south southeastwards through the remainder of the Tasman and away to the south of the South Island. This should build onto southern South Island districts from later today. Pressures are low to the south of Tasmania with further associated fronts expected to move over the south Tasman Sea tomorrow and pass over the Southern Lakes and Central Otago overnight Monday or early Tuesday morning with cool southwesterlies and a further period of showers. Disturbed westerly conditions will follow this low system from Tuesday onwards.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is overcast skies this morning but dry and with increasing sunny periods during the day. There may be a brief shower or two about the western ranges later this afternoon. Very little wind with temperatures cool this morning but milder by this afternoon. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 18.1 degrees. Arrowtown 20.1 degrees. Kinloch 16.3 degrees. Wanaka 19.6 degrees. Kingston no reading. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres light and variable. At 2000 metres southwesterly 20 kph developing this evening. Freezing level lowering to 1800 metres this morning. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka, Kingston 19 degrees. For Glenorchy 18 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 20 degrees.

Tomorrow mainly fine but a little scattered cloud and a few showers about the western ranges. Light variable winds and temperatures mild.

Monday fine and sunny with light northerly winds and warm temperatures.

Tuesday becoming cloudy with widespread and at times heavy rain about the western ranges. Lighter rain should develop everywhere during the day with northerly to northwesterly winds freshening, strong in exposed areas. Temperatures remaining mild.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Monday 14th November.

2011-11-11T09:34:00.001+13:00

A depression east of East Cape is drifting slowly away northeastwards bringing showers and cool southerlies to the northeast of the North Island. An anticyclone lies southeast of the Chatham Island and extends a ridge of high pressure back over central parts of New Zealand. A cold front lies close to Puysegur Point at 7am this morning with a freshening northwesterly airstream on its eastern side flowing onto the southern half of the South Island. Rain is widespread about Fiordland and South Westland and will soon extend into the western ranges of Otago. The front is slow moving and will pass over the Southern Lakes and Central Otago later this afternoon bringing a cool southwesterly change and a few showers to most districts. Tomorrow any remaining showers should soon die away with winds becoming light and variable. An anticyclone over southeastern Australia will push a ridge of high pressure over southern South Island districts tomorrow and Sunday before another cold front approaches by later on Monday with a few further showers.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for cloudy to overcast skies with moderate north to northwesterly winds but dry this morning apart from rain spreading to the western ranges. Winds will be fresh in exposed areas. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 22.6 degrees. Arrowtown 24.1 degrees. Kinloch 19.7 degrees. Wanaka 22.0 degrees. Kingston 24.9 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northerlies 50 kph, gusting 80 kph in exposed valleys, dying out from this afternoon. At 2000 metres gale westerlies 80 kph, gradually dying away from afternoon. Freezing level above 3000 metres, lowering to 2100 metres from afternoon. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the upper Clutha 20 degrees. For Kingston 21 degrees, Glenorchy 19 degrees. Cromwell and Alexandra 22 degrees.

Tomorrow cloudy at first with some light rain or drizzle but clearing to a mainly partly cloudy, dry afternoon. Light variable winds and temperatures becoming a little cooler.

Sunday increasing cloud again but mainly dry. Scattered rain about the western ranges and a few spots elsewhere at times but mainly dry. Light northerly winds.

Monday fine weather prevailing with light to moderate northerly winds and warm temperatures. Increasing cloud by late in the day and a few showers overnight.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Saturday 12th November.

2011-11-09T09:33:00.001+13:00

The situation is rather complex over New Zealand today with an anticyclone northwest of Cape Reinga moving slowly eastwards while a weak area of low pressure covers most of New Zealand. One frontal system stretches from Tasmania, across the Tasman Sea to Farewell Spit while other fronts lie over northern Hawkes Bay, east of East Cape, over North Otago and a further front lies just south of Stewart Island. All fronts are rather weak. A ridge of high pressure over the south Tasman Sea will be moving onto the South Island today. A further area of low pressure lies over Tasmania and this will be moving onto the lower South Island on Friday with rain in western areas but mainly dry in the east. A further ridge of high pressure will be moving onto the South Island during the weekend with mainly fine weather.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for cloudy to overcast skies and possibly a little light rain developing later in the morning. Very little wind and slightly cooler temperatures. Maximum temperatures for yesterday were Queenstown 25.0 degrees. Arrowtown 24.1 degrees. Kinloch 22.0 degrees. Wanaka 22.9 degrees. Kingston 23.4 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres westerly breezes, turning southeast from evening. At 2000 metres northwesterly 40 kph this morning then easing and tending southeasterly tonight. Freezing level lowering to 1800 metres by this evening, rising to 2200 metres tonight. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 22 egrees. For Kingston and Glenorchy 21 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 23 degrees.

Tomorrow fine at first but with increasing high cloud. Light southeasterlies, tending northerly and warm temperatures.

Friday cloudy with periods of rain about the western ranges and a few falls spreading further eastwards at times. Freshening northerlies, becoming fresh to strong in exposed areas and temperatures warm. Rain about the western ranges may be heavy at times.

Saturday cloudy at first but becoming fine and sunny during the morning. Westerly winds moderate to fresh but strong in exposed areas.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Wednesday 9th November.

2011-11-06T09:30:00.001+13:00

A moderate but decreasing southwesterly airstream covers New Zealand. The cold air of the last few days has now moved off to the east of the country, now lying over the Chatham Islands. One or two weak fronts still prevail. An occluded front lies just off the coast near East Cape with a few showers there, while a warm front lies over Taranaki. A weak cold front is brushing the southeast coast of Otago this morning with showers about Southland and southeastern Otago. Elsewhere over the country it is mainly dry. A large anticyclone lies in the north Tasman Sea and will gradually move to the north of the North Island over the next couple of days. A cold front lying far to the west of Tasmania, will cross the Tasman Sea tomorrow and move onto southern South Island districts tomorrow night with a further cold southwest change and a few showers. Rather disturbed westerly conditions will contine from Tuesday onwards.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for areas of upper level cloud at times but sunny periods as well. Freshening winds between southwest and northwest and temperatures becoming mild. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 11.8 degrees. Arrowtown 14.9 degrees. Kinloch 14.3 degrees. Wanaka 12.1 degrees. Kingston 11.8 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres westerlies 40 kph easing a little this afternoon. At 2000 metres southwesterlies 60 kph. Freezing level rising to 2400 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 16 degrees. For Kingston and Glenorchy 15 degrees. For Cromwell 17 degrees. For Alexandra 18 degrees.

Forecast for tomorrow fine and sunny although with high cloud increasing by evening. Winds between north and west freshening. Rain developing about the western ranges by evening. A colder southwesterly change with a period of showers passing through the Southern Lakes and Central Otago overnight.

Tuesday a few showers at first but clearing with fresh southwesterlies decreasing during the morning. Temperatures a little cooler.

Wednesday fine although some cloud at times and light to moderate westerly winds. Temperatures rising.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Tuesday 8th November.

2011-11-05T09:31:00.001+13:00

Pressures are very low to the south southeast of the country as a deep depression moves further away eastwards. A moderate to fresh and very cold southwesterly airstream covers New Zealand with the coldest air now moving off to the southeast of Otago. Most of the associated cold fronts now lie to the east of the country although one stretches over the upper North Island, stretching from Auckland to Gisborne. Another lies over the North Canterbury coast while a small trough line is approaching Stewart Island. This will bring a few further wintry showers to Southland and coastal Otago. Another trough line is moving eastwards over the south Tasman Sea and will maintain the shower activity about the western ranges. A large anticyclone lies in the western Tasman Sea and will move eastwards to be centered in the central part of the north Tasman by tomorrow. This will change the cold southwesterlies to more moderate westerlies by tomorrow and with the freezing level rising, the snow level will also be rising by tomorrow. A further cold front will be passing through on Tuesday with another southwest change and showers.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for cloudy skies and possibly a few sleet or snow showers at first but soon clearing to a partly cloudy, dry day with light to moderate southwesterly winds. A few wintry showers will continue all day about the western ranges. Temperatures cold but not as cold as yesterday with the snow level rising. However moderate frosts likely in many places tonight. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 9.1 degrees, Arrowtown 8.8 degrees, Kinloch 5.3 degrees, Wanaka 9.0 degrees, Kingston no report. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres westerlies 50 kph in exposed places. At 2000 metres southwesterly gale 65 kph. Freezing level rising to 1200 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 12 degrees. For Kingston and Glenorchy 11 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 13 degrees.

Tomorrow some high cloud at times with rain about the western ranges during the morning, otherwise fine and dry with cool southwesterlies tending moderate westerlies. Temperatures moderate.

Monday fine and sunny apart from areas of high cloud. Moderate west to northwesterlies and moderate to mild temperatures.

Tuesday cloudy with rain about the western ranges and dry elsewhere until a cool southwest change with showers spreads in about midday. This should be shortlived and the weather improving again during the evening.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Monday 7th November.

2011-11-04T09:36:00.001+13:00

Pressures remain very low to the south of New Zealand with a cold westerly airstream flowing over the South Island. Several cold fronts are embedded in this airstream. One cold front is moving across Southland associated with a deep depression to the southwest of Stewart Island with several more fronts to the southwest of the South Island. Some very cold air lies to the south and southwest of the South Island and snow showers are likely to occur to very low levels today. Each progresive cold front brings a little burst of even colder air. An anticyclone lying to the south of South Australia is moving slowly northeastwards and should lie in the north Tasman Sea by Sunday. As it moves further to the north of Otago and Southland, the airstream will tend more westerly and become slightly milder. Consquently the snow level should rise a little tomorrow. However fronts will continue to affect southern regions, although precipitation will be confined mainly to the western ranges from tomorrow.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for mostly cloudy skies with occasional showers of rain, sleet and snow. Moderate and cold south to southwesterlies. Some clearance is likely away from the western ranges this evening. In very clear, sheltered areas frosts are likely. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 14.0 degrees. Arrowtown 15.5 degrees. Kinloch 13.3 degrees. Wanaka 12.8 degrees. and Kingston 14.5 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres westerly gales 75 kph in exposed places, easing later and turning southwesterly. At 2000 metres severe gale westerlies 120 kph in exposed places, easing to southwest 70 kph later. Freezing level lowering to 600 metres. Maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Glenorchy 9 degrees. For Kingston 10 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 11 degrees.

Tomorrow some cloud at first and possibly a frost in sheltered locations otherwise fine, although showers will continue about the western ranges. Moderate and cold southwesterly winds tending back more westerly and temperatures rising a little. The snow showers about the western ranges will change back to rain below 800 metres. Frosts at night.

Sunday and Monday fine and sunny with light to moderate westerly winds. A few scattered showers still likely about the western ranges.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Sunday 6th November.

2011-11-03T09:33:00.001+13:00

Pressures are very low to the south and southeast of New Zealand with a fresh and very disturbed west to southwesterly airstream flowing over the country. Cold fronts lie over the centre of the North Island, Fiordland, just south of Stewart Island and southwest of Puysegur Point. Over the next few days a series of cold fronts will cross the country with the airstream changing from cold southwesterlies to more moderate westerlies. The satellite picture this morning shows some very cold air covering the south Tasman Sea and this should move on to Southland and Otago tomorrow morning bringing snow to low levels. However as the airstream turns more westerly on Saturday, snow levels will rise again. An anticyclone at the eastern side of the Australian Bight will move slowly eastwards to arrive over the central Tasman Sea by Sunday, although fronts in the westerly airstream to the south of the high will continue to affect the South Island.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for a mix of cloud and sunny periods, although rain and snow will continue to affect the western ranges and there may be the odd shower elsewhere in the early afternoon. Moderate to fresh westerly winds and cool to moderate temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 15.5 degrees. Arrowtown 17.6 degrees. Kinloch 14.7 degrees. Wanaka 15.9 degrees. Kingston 14.1 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterlies gusting 70 kph in exposed places. At 2000 metres northwesterly gale 70 kph. Freezing level lowering to 1000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Glenorchy 15 degrees. For Kingston 14 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 17 degrees.

Tomorrow cloudy with snow about the western ranges and occasional snow showers elsewhere during the morning and early afternoon. Fresh and very cold southwesterly winds developing. Snow should clear during the evening and winds decrease and in the very cold air some moderate to hard frosts are expected overnight.

Saturday after a very frosty start mainly fine weather will prevail although snow showers will continue about the western ranges. Winds will turn more westerly during the day and freshen with temperatures rising.

Sunday rain about the western ranges but dry, partly cloudy weather elsewhere. Fresh westerly winds, becoming strong and gusty in exposed areas. Temperatures becoming mild.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Saturday 5th November.

2011-11-02T09:28:00.001+13:00

A large, deep and slow moving depression lies to the west of Nelson and is drifting southeastwards towards central parts of the South Island. Several cold fronts are associated with this depression; one up the west coast of the North Island to Auckland with a further one in the eastern Tasman Sea which should cross the North Island today. A stationary front lies over southern parts of the South Island with widespread rain with southeasterlies freshening there on the southern side of the depression. A cold front lying from Bass Strait then across the south Tasman and far to the south is moving eastwards. Some unseasonably cold air lies to the south of this front which should move onto southern districts later tomorrow. This may bring snow to very low levels with a change to cold southwesterlies. Following this change the situation will tend disturbed and still cold westerlies. An anticyclone lies in the Australian Bight but is only moving slowly eastwards. It will lie in the central Tasman Sea by later in the weekend.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for cloudy to overcast skies with rain areas at first but these should clear during the morning although it will remain basically cloudy. Southeasterlies may freshen at times. Periods of rain will probably spread in again during the afternoon. Southerlies freshening this evening and becoming colder with snow lowering on the mountains. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 17.1 degrees. Arrowtown 20.1 degrees. Kinloch 21.7 degrees. Wanaka 19.3 degrees. Kingston no report. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres light winds then northwesterlies 30 kph developing this evening. At 2000 metres northerlies 40 kph turning westerly by this evening. Freezing level gradually lowering to 1700 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown and Kingston 14 degrees. For Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 15 degrees. For Glenorchy 16 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 17 degrees.

Tomorrow widespread rain about the western ranges, spreading elsewhere by early afternoon. Moderate to fresh north to northwesterly winds, changing more westerly by evening. The rain may change to snow during the evening. Becoming much colder.

Friday and Saturday cloudy skies, snow showers about the western ranges and a few spreading further eastwards at times. Fresh westerly winds, strong and gusty in exposed areas. Cold temperatures.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Friday 4th November.

2011-11-01T09:47:00.001+13:00

The large and intense anticyclone still remains rather slow moving well to the east of the Chatham Islands. A very complex area of low pressure covers the Tasman Sea and the south of the South Island and will be moving slowly but steadily onto the country. New Zealand is under the influence of a moist and rather mild northeasterly airstream with conditions rather humid as well. One depression of sub tropical origin lies to the north of Cape Reinga and is moving southwards. It is expected to bring widespread rain to most of the North Island during today. Depressions lie in the central Tasman Sea moving eastwards while numerous cold fronts occupy this area and will move over the North Island during today. Another cold front is very slow moving just to the southwest of the South Island. It is not expected to move onto the southwest of the South Island before tomorrow and will bring extended and widespread rain to southwestern areas of the South Island, with the rain becoming frequently heavy over the next 24 hours. A weak ridge of high pressure will move onto Southland and Otago from later tomorrow with a shortlived period of dry weather. However the air is very cold well south of the Tasman Sea and a cold west to southwesterly airstream will move onto Otago and Southland from Thursday. becoming progressively colder during Friday and Saturday with snow lowering to very low levels by the weekend.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for overcast skies with light to moderate winds between west and north. Rain about the western ranges, heavy at times and some lighter rain spreading eastwards from time to time. Mild temperatures and rather humid. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 21.5 degrees. Arrowtown 23.2 degrees. Kinloch 22.3 degrees. Wanaka 19.1 degrees. Kingston 20.7 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterly 30 kph dying away this afternoon. At 2000 metres northwesterly 55 kph easing from afternoon. Freezing level 2400 metres. Maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown and Kingston 19 degrees. For Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 18 degrees. For Glenorchy 20 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 21 degrees.

Tomorrow overcast with widespread rain continuing about the western ranges and occasional lighter rain elsewhere. There could be some improvement away from the western ranges by later in the day with the weather becoming dry although remaining cloudy. Very little wind, gradually tending westerly. Temperatures moderate.

Thursday cold southwesterlies freshening with periods of rain developing and snow lowering on the mountains to 500 metres.

Friday overcast with showery conditions and fresh to strong westerlies prevailing becoming still colder with snow lowering further on the mountains.

Saturday general rain and snow showers with west to southwesterlies strong and gusty. Very cold.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Thursday 3rd November.

2011-10-31T09:48:00.001+13:00

A large and intense anticyclone lies far to the east of the Chatham Islands but still extends back onto the upper three quarters of New Zealand. This ridge should pull back off the South Island today but still extend onto the North Island tomorrow. A trough of low pressure extends from the NSW coast, across the Tasman Sea and is moving slowly onto the south of the South Island. An embedded cold front had a depression develop on it yesterday and this had the effect of slowing the front right down and it will be very slow moving just to the southwest of Puysegur Point. A very moist northwesterly airstream flows ahead of this front and will persist until tomorrow night with widespread rain in western areas south of the glaciers, with the rain becoming heavy at times. It is already falling about Fiordland this morning. Mainly cloudy skies will prevail elsewhere. A developing subtropical depression is forming to the north of the North Island and will bring rain to the north of the North Island by Wednesday. The slow moving front near Puysegur Point will move a little further northwards tomorrow night with a southwesterly airstream developing from Wednesday. A cold front will move over the southern districts from Thursday bringing colder weather and some showers. Snow is expected on the mountains to about 600 metres by Friday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for a mix of fine, sunny weather and a few cloudy areas. Rain though will become widespread about the western ranges and possibly become heavy there later in the day. Fresh north to northwesterly winds and mild to warm temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 20.1 degrees. Arrowtown 22.1 degrees. Kinloch 19.8 degrees. Wanaka 18.4 degrees and Kingston 20.6 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterly gale, 70 kph at times in exposed valleys. At 2000 metres northwest gale 80 kph. Freezing level 2600 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Kingston and Glenorchy 20 degrees. For Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 19 degrees. For Cromwell 21 degrees and Alexandra 22 degrees.

Tomorrow rain continuing unabated about the western ranges where some heavy falls are likely. Elsewhere fine for much of the day but a cooler southwest change late in the day with a few showers.

Wednesday should be mainly fine apart from a few showers about the western ranges. Moderate to fresh westerly winds and mild temperatures.

Thursday a cold southwesterly change during the morning with showers and snow lowering on the mountains down to 800 metres, probably even lower by Friday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Wednesday 2nd November.

2011-10-30T09:29:00.001+13:00

A very large anticyclone centered well east of the Chatham Island still extends westwards and covers most of New Zealand and the eastern and northern Tasman Sea. It will persist over the North Island for a couple of days yet but is retreating from the South Island as a cold front now moving across the south Tasman Sea gets closer. A depression has developed on the front to the east of Bass Strait and this will move towards the lower South Island tomorrow. However it will have the effect of slowing the front down to become very slow moving just to the southwest of the South Island so that a moist northwesterly airstream will continue to flow over southern districts bringing widespread and heavy rain to the western ranges from later today through to Tuesday. Another cold front is moving up the Canterbury coast this morning bringing rain there while a small trough line lies west of Northland. A few scattered showers prevail over the North Island while some rain has developed in southern Fiordland but most of New Zealand is dry at present. Northerlies will prevail until Tuesday when a cold front will move up from the south bringing southwesterlies, showers and colder temperatures. From Wednesday onwards westerlies will prevail with showers about the western ranges but mainly cloudy and dry elsewhere.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for cloudy to overcast skies with a little patchy light rain at times but mainly dry in the east. However rain about the western ranges could become heavy by this evening. North to northwesterly winds freshening and remaining rather mild and somewhat humid. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 19.8 degrees. Arrowtown 21.3 degrees. Kinloch 20.2 degrees. Wanaka 19.7 degrees. Kingston 21.1 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterlies 50 kph at times in exposed valleys. At 2000 metres northwesterlies rising to 60 kph. Freezing level 2600 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Glenorchy 18 degrees. Kingston 17 degrees. Cromwell and Alexandra 19 degrees.

Tomorrow extensive upper level cloud but dry away from the western ranges where heavy rain will continue. North to northwesterly winds continuing, fresh to strong in exposed areas but decreasing during the day. Still mild and rather humid.

Tuesday still cloudy to overcast with rain about the western ranges but mostly dry elsewhere at first. Moderate northerlies turning colder southwesterlies during the morning with showers developing in all areas. Snow lowering on the mountains.

Wednesday becoming mainly fine with winds turning back west to northwesterly and temperatures rising.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Tuesday 1st November.

2011-10-29T09:35:00.000+13:00

A large anticyclone centered east of the Chatham Islands is moving steadily eastwards but still extends back over the whole of New Zealand and into the Tasman Sea. A trough of low pressure lies south of the Tasman Sea and extends northwards into the western Tasman. Tomorrow the high will be further to the east but still extend back over the North Island while the northwesterly airstream ahead of the trough will be movng onto the South Island. A depression is expected to form within this trough on an embedded cold front to the east of Bass Strait and deepen as it moves southeastwards towards the South Island. The high will continue to move away on Monday but the formation of the depression on the cold front will have the effect of slowing it down and this front will lie almost stationary to the southwest of the South Island during the early part of next week. This will result in a north to northwesterly airstream becoming persistant over the lower South Island with widespread rain about western areas but mainly cloudy, dry weather elsewhere, with little change likely before Tuesday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine, sunny weather, although upper level cloud will increase this afternoon. Some rain is likely about the western ranges by evening but remaining cloudy and dry elsewhere with freshening northerly winds. Temperatures are expected to become warm today. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 16.0 degrees. Arrowtown 18.3 degrees. Kinloch 18.4 degrees. Wanaka 18.1 degrees. Kingston 16.8 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterly 40 kph at times in exposed valleys. At 2000 metres northwest rising to 50 kph. Freezing level rising to 2600 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Glenorchy 20 degrees. For Kingston 19 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 22 degrees.

Tomorrow much upper level cloud but dry away from the far western ranges where rain will become persistant all day. North to northwesterly winds, fresh and gusty and temperatures remaining warm.

Monday overcast skies with widespread rain about the western rangers where rain will probably become heavy for much of the day due to that stalled front just to the southwest. Much lighter rain will also spread further east to most remaining districts although only scattered falls about Central Otago. North to northwest winds continuing, strong and gusty about exposed areas and gale at upper levels.

Tuesday further rain about the western ranges but easing elsewhere and only becoming scattered. North to northwesterlies decreasing and possibly turning more westerly. Still mild.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Monday 31st October.

2011-10-28T09:31:00.001+13:00

A large anticyclone covers New Zealand. Main centre is east of the Chatham Islands moving slowly eastwards with second centre in the south Tasman well out to the west of northern Fiordland. This centre is moving southeastwards. A weakening cold front lies slow moving over the centre of the North Island and will drift back slowly southwards today, moving onto the upper South Island tomorrow, although continuing to weaken. A complex low pressure area lies to the west of Tasmania and should be moving eastwards over the Tasman Sea during the weekend as the high over New Zealand slips further eastwards. A freshening and rather mild northerly airstream will be spreading onto the lower South Island by Sunday with rain spreading into the western ranges but remaining dry elsewhere. On Monday the high will be centered well to the east with northerlies freshening and rain becoming heavy about the western ranges but still dry further east although with extensive upper level cloud.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for areas of cloud at first but this will clear during the morning to give a fine, sunny day with light winds and mild by this afternoon. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 17.8 degrees. Arrowtown 18.0 degrees. Kinloch 16.3 degrees. Wanaka 16.7 degrees. Kingston 18.3 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northerly breeze developing. At 2000 metres northerlies gradually rising to 30 kph tonight. Freezing level 2200 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 16 degrees. For Kingston and Glenorchy 17 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 18 degrees.

Tomorrow fine and sunny with light northerly winds. Perhaps a little morning cloud again soon clearing. Mild temperatures. Rain is expected to develop about the western ranges towards evening.

Sunday extensive upper level cloud but dry away from the western ranges where rain is expected to be widespread and persistant with some heavy falls at times. Temperatures becoming warmer.

Monday cloudy with widespread rain, continuing heavy about the western ranges and a few lighter falls spreading eastwards at times. North to northwesterly winds, fresh and gusty, and strong in exposed areas where they may reach gale force at higher levels. Temperatures warm.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Sunday 30th October.

2011-10-27T09:31:00.001+13:00

A large anticyclone centered in the central part of the South Tasman Sea is drifting slowly eastwards onto the South Island where another small centre of high pressure is situated just off the Canterbury coast. The main high will drift slowly eastwards over the South Island during the weekend and lie just to the east by Monday morning. A very small centre of low pressure is located just off the coast of South Westland but having little effect on the weather. The cold front which moved up over the South Island yesterday is stationary over the centre of the North Island and is giving a few showers there, but basically most of New Zealand is dry this morning. The cold front should start to retreat back southwards again tomorrow and move onto the upper South Island during the day. A trough of low pressure will be moving slowly eastwards over the western Tasman Sea on Sunday with a northerly airstream spreading onto the lower South Island by later on Sunday. This will bring rain to Fiordland and the western ranges of Otago by then but it should remain dry over most of the Southern Lakes until then.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine, sunny weather after a light frost. Any isolated cloudy areas should quickly disappear. Light variable winds and temperatures becoming mild by this afternoon but a further light frost is possible in some areas again tonight. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 12.9. Arrowtown 14.2 degrees. Kinloch 15.6 degrees. Wanaka 14.9 degrees. Kingston 11.1 degrees.. Forecast upper level winds for today at both 1000 and 2000 metres just light and variable. Freezing level rising to 2000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 16 degrees. For Kingston 15 degrees. For Glenorchy 17 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 18 degrees.

Tomorrow and Saturday continuing fine and sunny with light variable winds tending northerly on Saturday. A slight frost tomorrow morning. Daytime temperatures rising further on Saturday.

Sunday increasing upper level cloud otherwise fine although rain will develop about the western ranges and may be heavy there later in the day. Northerly winds freshening and temperatures mild or warm.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Saturday 29th October.

2011-10-26T09:26:00.001+13:00

A ridge of high pressure extending from an anticyclone far to the east of the Chatham Islands still covers the upper part of the North Island. A strong northwesterly airstream still covers central parts of the country with an active front within this airstream extending from the NSW coast, across the Tasman Sea, Canterbury and out to the Chatham Islands. This front should move slowly northeastwards to lie over the middle of the North Island by early tomorrow. It will then return southwards from later tomorrow to move back onto the upper South Island by Friday. A large anticyclone to the west of Tasmania is moving steadily eastwards and will push into the Tasman Sea today, then lie over the South Island by Saturday. It is already pushing a ridge of high pressure into the central and south Tasman. A weakening southwesterly airstream over the south of the South Island and to the south. has a couple of weak cold fronts in it, which shouldn`t affect the Southern Lakes or Central Otago at all. The anticyclone should slowly move over the South Island during the weekend with a northerly airsteam moving on to Otago and Southland on Sunday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for some areas of cloud at first but this should mostly clear during the morning. Light winds, southwesterlies predominating and temperatures still rather cool. In the colder air expect frosts in many places tonight. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 10.2 degrees, Arrowtown 13.9 degrees, Kinloch 13.7 degrees, Wanaka 13.8 degrees, Kingston 10.8 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres southerlies 30 kph, dying out tonight. At 2000 metres southwesterlies 50 kph, easing to 30 kph by afternoon, dying out tonight. Freezing level lowering to 1000 metres tonight. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Kingston 13 degrees. For Glenorchy, Cromwell and Alexandra 14 degrees.

Tomorrow and right through until Saturday expect an extended period of fine, sunny weather. A frost first thing but temperatures rising further tomorrow to become mild. Light variable winds throughout the period but northerlies prevailing on Saturday with temperatures rising further. Rain will spread to the western ranges on Saturday but will remain dry elsewhere. Northerlies will freshen on Sunday with increasing cloud as a trough of low pressure approaches.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Friday 28th October.

2011-10-25T09:33:00.001+13:00

An anticyclone far to the east of the Chatham Islands extends a ridge of high pressure back over the upper North Island, with another small centre located over Cape Reinga. A very strong northwesterly airstream flows over central parts of the country ahead of an active cold front now moving over North Canterbury and Westland. Gales affected many parts of Otago and Southland last evening ahead of this front while a ridge of high pressure behind the front is extending onto southern districts from an anticyclone still well to the west of Tasmania. This high should move into the southern Tasman Sea tomorrow. The front over North Canterbury and Westland should become very slow moving today with heavy rain over Westland and the high country of North Canterbury. Strong westerlies still prevail to the south of the South Island with a weak cold front moving onto southern districta later this afternoon with a few brief showers. Apart from this the weather appears settled under the ridge of high pressure for several days with the high moving to the west of the North Island by later in the week.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine weather this morning apart from considerable areas of high cloud. Westerlies may fresh later this afternoon with one or two brief, light showers. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 19.6 degrees. Arrowtown 19.4 degrees. Kinloch 17.8 degrees. Wanaka 17.2 degrees. Kingston no report. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterlies 35 kph. At 2000 metres westerlies 50 kph. Freezing level about 1600 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Kingston 17 degrees. For Glenorchy 18 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 19 degrees.

Tomorrow and through to Friday an extended period of fine, settled weather will prevail with light winds, probably tending northerlies by Friday and a little upper level cloud at times. Temperatures cool tomorrow but rising from Thursday. There may be a very light frost tomorrow night.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Thursday 27th October.

2011-10-24T09:30:00.001+13:00

A large anticyclone lies to the east of the North Island, covers the North Island and extends to another centre over the north Tasman Sea to the northwest of Cape Reinga. The centre east of the North Island is moving quickly southeastwards while the north Tasman Sea centre is moving slowly eastwards. Fine weather prevails over the whole country at the moment except the west coast of the South Island. A trough line lies in the east Tasman to the west of the South Island while a deep depression lies far to the south of the Tasman Sea. Several fronts lie in a strengthening west to northwesterly airstream while one active cold front crossing Tasmania should move quickly across the south Tasman today. Ahead of it is a rapidly strengthening and very moist northwesterly airstream which should spread onto lower South Island districts today with gales in many places and heavy rain in western areas. The front will pass through the Southern Lakes and Central Otago late this evening or overnight followed by a change to much lighter although cold southwesterly winds. Snow should come well down on the mountains by tomorrow morning followed by an improvement in the afternoon. Wednesday and Thursday should be mainly fine although cool with light west to southwesterly winds.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine weather at first although with some high cloud. Upper level cloud will thicken further during the afternoon with rain developing about the western ranges, becoming heavy there by this evening. Elsewhere cloudy but dry until rain spreads in later this evening. Winds will freshen steadily throughout the day from the north to northwesterly; fresh to strong this afternoon and gale force in exposed areas, particularly about the head of the lake. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 20.8 degrees. Arrowtown 18.8 degrees. Kinloch 22.3 degrees. Wanaka 20.6 degrees. Kingston no report. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterlies rising to gale 65 kph, gusting 130 kph in exposed places. At 2000 metres northwesterly rising to severe gale 130 kph this afternoon. Freezing level 2500 metres lowering to 1500 metres overnight. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha, Glenorchy and Kingston 21 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 22 degrees.

Tomorrow cloudy to overcast at first with moderate to fresh southwesterly winds and occasional showers and snow possible down to 700 metres. Improving by afternoon with the weather becoming fine although still with areas of cloud. Winds decreasing to become light. Frosts are probable at night, especially in sheltered areas.

Wednesday a mix of cloud and sunny periods but fine after a morning frost, with light southwesterly winds. Daytime temperatures rising.

Thursday fine and sunny with light winds and mild to warm temperatures.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Wednesday 26th October.

2011-10-23T09:31:00.001+13:00

Pressures are very low to the southeast of the Chatham Islands while a large anticyclone covers the Tasman Sea and is moving onto New Zealand. It has centres in the north and central Tasman, both moving eastwards. One cold front which crossed New Zealand yesterday has moved off the to the northeast of the North Island although the end of it is holding back over the Bay of Plenty. Most of New Zealand is dry this morning although a few showers remain over Taranaki and western Nelson. A westerly airstream flows to the south of the South Island with a cold front embedded in this airstream being held back by the anticyclone. It should however move onto southern districts of the South Island later tomorrow and cross the Southern Lakes and Central Otago late tomorrow. The airflow will turn more northwesterly tomorrow ahead of this front and could become strong by later in the day with significant rain about the western ranges from tomorrow afternoon with the rain spreading to other areas overnight tomorrow night. A southwest change follows the front with temperatures becoming cooler and occasional showers prevailing through the early part of Tuesday. A further anticyclone will be moving into the Tasman Sea by Wednesday, then extend a ridge of high pressure over the South Island with fine weather.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for a mainly fine day with perhaps a little cloud at first in some districts. Light winds tending northerly and mild temperatures by this afternoon. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 19.6 degrees. Arrowtown 19.8 degrees. Kinloch 17.7 degrees. Wanaka 20.3 degrees. Kingston 19.9 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres westerly breezes. At 2000 metres westerlies 40 kph. Freezing level 2200 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Kingston 20 degrees. Glenorchy 19 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 21 degrees.

Tomorrow fine at first but cloud increasing during the afternoon. Rain developing about the western ranges where it will become heavy by nightfall. Rain will spread to other districts during the evening. Moderate north to northwesterlies, freshening during the day and becoming strong in exposed areas by evening. Daytime temperatures still mild.

Tuesday remaining cloudy at first with winds changing fresh, cool southwesterlies during the early hours of the morning and occasional showers, but these will become less frequent. Mainly fine by later in the day with a light frost likely at night.

Wednesday fine and sunny with light winds and moderate to mild temperatures.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Tuesday 25th October.

2011-10-22T09:32:00.001+13:00

Pressures are low far to the east of New Zealand and a moderate southwesterly airstream covers the country. A cold front lies from Bass Strait, then eastwards across the central Tasman Sea and over the lower North Island, then out to the east of the Chatham Islands. Central parts of New Zealand are experiencing widespread rain but the remainder of the country is mostly dry. An anticyclone in the north Tasman Sea is stationary while a further high east of Tasmania is moving slowly east northeastwards. These highs will remain in the Tasman Sea until Monday when they will lie east and west of the North Island. A westerly airstream flow to the south of the South Island and will slowly move up onto Otago and Southland during the weekend. but with fine weather prevailing. A cold front far to the south of Tasmania will move slowly northeastwards over the south Tasman on Monday, bringing increasing north to northwesterly winds. It should cross the Southern Lakes district late on Monday with a colder southwesterly change and a few showers. Conditions will improve again during Tuesday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for cloudy to overcast skies this morning but dry. Cloud should break during the late morning to become mainly fine by afternoon. Mild afternoon temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 18.3 degrees. Arrowtown 20.8 degrees. Kinloch 17.2 degrees. Wanaka 20.2 degrees. Kingston 18.1 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres southwesterlies 20 kph. At 2000 metres southwesterlies rising to 35 kph this afternoon. Freezing level 2800 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown and Kingston 18 degrees. For Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Glenorchy 19 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 20 degrees.

Tomorrow fine with mostly clear skies and light westerly winds. Afternoon temperatures mild to warm.

Monday mostly fine at first with north to northwesterly winds developing and freshening during the afternoon, possibly strong in exposed areas by evening before backing southwesterly overnight. Cloud increasing during the afternoon with rain in the western ranges becoming heavy during the evening. Some rain spreading eastwards overnight.

Tuesday cloudy with fresh southwesterlies and a few showers, Clearing during the morning. Becoming cooler.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Monday 24th, Labour Day.

2011-10-21T09:31:00.001+13:00

The extensive low pressure area that has been covering the country for the last several days has now moved off to the east with most of the frontal systems also lying to the east. A moderate southwesterly airstream now covers New Zealand with one cold front lying off the Wairarapa coast and another cold front moving over Southland. This front should move over the South Island during the day accompanied by a period of mainly light rain. A large anticyclone is centered in the north Tasman Sea and is moving northeastwards. Another anticyclone is centered well to the west of Tasmania and should be moving into the central Tasman Sea by Sunday where it will merge with the high in the north Tasman. By Monday a trough of low pressure will be moving up from the southwest to lie to the west of the lower South Island by nightfall. Winds will tend fresh northerly with widespread rain about the western ranges by later in the day, spreading eastwards to other areas by evening. An embedded cold front will bring a change to colder southwesterlies later in the day.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for overcast skies at first with a little light rain, but this should clear during the morning to a dry but cloudy afternoon. Light southeasterly winds tending westerly and dying away with temperatures mild. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 22.5 degrees. Arrowtown 23.1 degrees. Kinloch 23.5 degrees. Wanaka 22.0 degrees. Kingston 18.1 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres westerlies 40 kph dying out this evening. At 2000 metres southwesterly gale 80 kph, easing to 40 kph tonight. Freezing level about 2400 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown Wanaka and ther Upper Clutha 19 degrees. For Kingston 18 degrees. For Glenorchy 20 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 21 degrees.

Tomorrow and Sunday a fine settled period is expected. A little cloud is possible but it will be mainly fine and sunny with light west to southwesterly winds and mild temperatures.

Monday the trough of low pressure will be getting closer with winds tending northerly and freshening by later in the day. Some rain spreading to the western ranges and becoming heavy at times there. Occasional rain will spread elsewhere by later in the day with winds backing to southwesterlies by evening and temperatures becoming colder.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Sunday 23rd October.

2011-10-20T09:27:00.001+13:00

A trough of low pressure is moving eastwards off New Zealand and is being replaced by a moderate southwesterly airstream. Lowest pressures are located east of Northland and just east of East Cape. Frontal systems in the southwesterly airstream now lie to the east of the country. A large anticyclone centered in the western Tasman Sea off the NSW coast is drifting very slowly northwards. It should remain very slow moving and will remain in the western and central Tasman Sea through until Sunday. A very disturbed westerly airstream flows to the south of the Tasman Sea and New Zealand with numerous fronts passing to the south. As the high drifts just a little further northwards it will allow this disturbed westerly airstream to move onto southern parts of the South Island with very weak fronts passing over the Southern Lakes and Central Otago from time to time bringing a little patchy drizzle or light rain, but not much is expected. One weak front is expected to move over our region later this evening. These conditions will continue until Sunday when a more significant trough approaches across the Tasman Sea bringing widespread rain about the western ranges, gradually spreading further east during Monday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for extensive upper level cloud otherwise fine and dry. Rain developing about the western ranges by later this afternoon then spreading to other areas by evening. Light to moderate westerly winds freshening during the day and temperatures becoming milder than recently. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 17.7 degrees. Arrowtown 16.7 degrees. Kinloch 19.3 degrees. Wanaka 16.2 degrees. Kingston no report. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres westerlies rising to 50 kph this morning. At 2000 metres westerlies rising to severe gale 90 kph this morning. Freezing level about 2600 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown 18 degrees. For Kingston, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 17 degrees. For Glenorchy and Cromwell 19 degrees. For Alexandra 20 degrees.

Tomorrow a little patchy drizzle or very light rain at times during the day but improving to mainly dry conditions by later in the afternoon but remaining cloudy. Moderate westerly winds dying away. Moderate to mild temperatures.

Saturday and Sunday cloudy skies with occasional rain persisting about the western ranges and possibly some scattered drizzle or light rain elsewhere but mainly cloudy, dry weather. Light westerly winds.

Monday, Labour Day, becoming cloudy to overcast with rain about the western ranges, heavy at times and rain spreading elsewhere during the day. Winds tending northerly and freshening. A southwesterly change is possible by later in the day and becoming colder.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Saturday 22nd October.

2011-10-19T09:36:00.001+13:00

A large, deep and active depression covers New Zealand with main centres west of the North Island and east of Banks Peninsula. Fronts extend from east of Banks Peninsula up to the east of the North Island with two smaller ones west of Auckland and Northland. Showers continue over most of the North Island while widespread rain is still falling over Canterbury with snow in the high country there. The depression is moving slowly northeastwards and should weaken tomorrow as it moves away. A large anticyclone is centered in the western Tasman Sea off the NSW coast. It is very slow moving and should remain in the central Tasman Sea for the remainder of this week. It extends a ridge of high pressure onto the south of the South Island and is helping to maintain a fresh southeasterly airstream over Canterbury and Otago. A cold front lies well to the south of the Tasman Sea and should move onto southern districts later tomorrow. It is weak though and should only give a few scattered showers with mainly fine weather now prevailing through until the end of Sunday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for mainly fine weather apart from a little scattered cloud at first. Fresh southeasterly winds, still strong in exposed areas but generally decreasing and becoming moderate by this afternoon. Winds will die away in general by this evening with moderate frosts possible in some places but mild afternoon temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 9.4 degrees. Arrowtown 8.0 degrees. Kinloch 13.3 degrees. Wanaka 8.7 degrees. Kingston 6.8 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres southerlies easing to 30 kph this morning. At 2000 metres southeasterly gale 80 kph, easing to southerly 60 kph this afternoon. Freezing level rising to 2500 metres this morning. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Kingston 15 degrees. For Glenorchy 16 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 17 degrees.

Tomorrow mainly fine although a little cloud in the afternoon and a few brief scattered showers by evening. Winds tending westerly, mainly moderate before backing southwesterly again in the evening.

Friday, Saturday and probably Sunday as well mainly fine with a little scattered cloud at times and light to moderate westerly winds. Moderate to mild temperatures.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Friday 21st October.

2011-10-18T09:45:00.000+13:00

An extensive, deep and complex depression covers New Zealand. Main centre is just off the coast of Westland, moving slowly northeastwards, while a smaller centre is developing off the coast of South Canterbury. This will probably deepen and become the main centre today while the low to the west weakens as it moves towards the North Island. A strong, cold southerly airstream covers the eastern Tasman Sea and is moving onto the North Island and upper part of the South Island. Several cold fronts will move over these districts during today. One lies over the Bay of Plenty, another lies west of Northland and still another lies off the coast of Buller. As the depression to the east of South Canterbury deepens, a strong, cold southeasterly airstream develops over the Otago and Southland region bringing snow to low levels on the mountains. A large and still intensifying anticyclone lies just off the southern NSW coast. It is drifting slowly eastwards at present but will become stationary in the central Tasman by Thursday. It extends a ridge of high pressure down to the south of the South Island. This is accentuating the strong , cold southeasterly airstream over southern districts, but as the depression to the east moves away, conditions will improve tomorrow. Another cold front is likely later on Thursday with further showers but improving again on Friday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for overcast skies with periods of rain but dry intervals as well. Further snow down to 600 metres. Fresh southeasterly winds, strong in exposed areas where winds may reach gale force at times. Cold temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 16.3 degrees. Arrowtown 16.4 degrees. Kinloch 16.6 degrees. Wanaka 17.4 degrees. Kingston no report this morning. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres southerlies rising to gale 80 kph this morning, easing to 60 kph this afternoon. At 2000 metres southerlies rising to severe gale 100 kph early this morning, easing to 85 kph tonight. Freezing level lowering to about 1000 metres this morning. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka, Kingston and Glenorchy 11 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 12 degrees.

Tomorrow any rain and highland snow clearing during the morning to a mainly fine day although some cloud may still remain at times. Fresh southeasterly winds decreasing and some areas may experience frosts at night in sheltered places.

Thursday mainly fine at first but a further cold front later in the day may bring a few showers with a freshening of the southerly winds.

Friday a mix of cloudy and sunny periods but dry with moderate southwesterly winds and temperatures rising a little.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and central Otago up until Thursday 20th October.

2011-10-17T09:47:00.001+13:00

A weak anticyclone is moving eastwards to the northeast of the North Island as a complex and deepening trough of low pressure moves from the eastern Tasman Sea onto the country. Main depression centre in this trough is located in the north Tasman, well out west of Cape Reinga and is moving southeastwards towards the upper South Island. Many fronts are associated with this trough with one warm front over Northland and several other warm and cold fronts in the north Tasman, ready to move onto the North Island. An active occluded front is stretching north to south through the Tasman Sea and lies just west of Puysegur Point. A northerly airstream ahead of this front flows onto the lower South Island and will spread rain this morning up the west coast of the South Island. The front is slow moving but will move onto the Otago Southland region later today where it will become almost stationary. The low centre in the north Tasman will straddle the upper South Island by later today where it too will become slow moving. Consequently the lower South Island will received extensive rain from later today through tomorrow and possibly at first on Wednesday. The depression will eventually move northeastwards onto the North Island during Wednesday but the front over southern districts will be even slower to move, eventually crossing the North Island on Thursday. On Thursday and Friday a disturbed southwesterly airstream will cover the country.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine weather at first but cloud increasing during the morning with rain in the western ranges by midday. This should become heavy at times during the afternoon with rain becoming general in all areas by evening. Light to moderate north to northwesterly winds, fresh to strong in exposed areas but changing cooler southwesterlies later this evening. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown and Arrowtown 18.6 degrees. Kinloch 19.2 degrees. Wanaka 17.3 degrees. Kingston 21.0 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterlies 45 kph, changing southerly this evening. At 2000 metres northwesterly gale 80 kph, easing and changing southerly 50 kph later. Freezing level about 2200 metres, lowering to 1400 metres this evening. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 14 degrees. Kingston 15 degrees. Glenorchy 13 degrees. Cromwell and Alexandra 16 degrees.

Tomorrow overcast with periods of rain, heavy at times and snow level lowering to 900 metres. There could be heavy snow above this level. Fresh winds, turning more south to southeasterly and temperatures becoming even colder.

Wednesday cloudy at first with a few showers but improving during the day. South to southeasterly winds decreasing. Frosts in clear areas at night.

Thursday mainly fine although some cloud at times. Rain in the western ranges and showers spreading elsewhere at times. Southwesterly winds tending fresh westerlies.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Wednesday 19th October.

2011-10-16T09:44:00.001+13:00

A depression lies very slow moving to the south of the South Island. Its associated cold front lies just to the south of Wairarapa while other small disturbance lines lie just off East Cape and from northwest Nelson up to Taranaki. Scattered showers prevail over the North Island while the South Island is mostly fine under a weak high pressure system which stretches down from an anticyclone to the northeast of the North Island. This high extends to the north of Northland then down over the eastern Tasman Sea and onto the South Island. A small but active depression lies in the northwest Tasman Sea. This low has been responsible for some violent storms over southeastern Queensland. It should deepen further as it drifts slowly towards the upper North Island. The weak high should lie to the east of New Zealand by tomorrow with a northerly airstream spreading onto the South Island. A cold front should move across the south Tasman tomorrow and onto the south of the South Island tomorrow night. It will form a depression on its eastern end just to the east of Otago on Tuesday and this low will deepen rapidly. It will be responsible for some cold air spreading onto the Southland Otago regions by early Tuesday morning, widespread rain and possibly some snow to unseasonably low levels on Tuesday. The low will move away on Wednesday but a fresh to strong southwesterly airstream will remain over New Zealand in its wake.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine, sunny conditions with light winds, probably tending northerly. Some upper level cloud may spread in during the evening and temperatures becoming milder this afternoon. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 14.5 degrees. Arrowtown 13.3 degrees. Kinloch 15.7 degrees. Wanaka 12.2 degrees. Kingston 15.7 degrees.. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterlies rising to 30 kph this afternoon. At 2000 metres light southwesterly, turning northwesterly this afternoon and rising to 50 kph. Freezing level 1500 metres , rising to 2400 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Glenorchy 17 degrees. For Kingston, Cromwell and Alexandra 18 degrees.

Tomorrow becoming overcast by morning with general rain developing, frequently heavy about the western ranges. Fresh northerly winds decreasing during the day and turning southwesterly by evening. Temperatures becoming colder with snow lowering on the mountains down to 800 metres by evening.

Tuesday overcast with rain continuing in all areas, possibly heavy at times. Winds turning colder southerlies and freshening again. Winds will become strong in exposed areas. Snow probably lowering even further to about 600 metres.

Wednesday cloudy with a few wintry showers but with increasing fine intervals. Moderate to fresh southwesterly winds and temperatures still cold.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Tuesday 18th October.

2011-10-15T09:23:00.001+13:00

A depression is centered to the south of the Chatham Islands and extends a broad trough of low pressure back over most of the South Island and southern parts of the North Island. Another small centre of low pressure lies off the Westland coast. Light westerlies prevail over the North Island while little wind prevails over the South Island. A weak cold front will brush up the east coast of the South Island today while a further more active one lies over southern North Island districts. A small disturbnce line lies over northwestern Nelson. A weak anticyclone lies from the seas northwest of Cape Reinga, Down through the central Tasman Sea to another high centre quite a long way southwest of Puysegur Point. A ridge of high pressure lies to the south of the South Island and should gradually move up onto southern districts during the day. Light southeasterlies prevail over Otago and Southland and a little instability should see a few isolated showers over inland parts of these districts this afternoon. An active cold front lying southwest of Tasmania should be moving up over the Southern Lakes district on Monday with a small but active depression forming to the east of Canterbury later on Monday or early Tuesday. This will bring a freshening of the southerlies and rain by Monday with snow possibly lowering to 600 metres on the mountains by Tuesday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for cloudy skies with maybe the odd, brief sunny spell this morning. There is the chance of the odd, isolated shower in some parts this afternoon. Very little wind, south to southeasterly prevailing. Cool to moderate temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 9.6 degrees. Arrowtown 7.9 degrees. Kinloch 12.1 degrees. Wanaka 8.6 degrees. Kingston 8.5 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres light southeasterlies. At 2000 metres light easterlies. Freezing level rising to 1600 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and Glenorchy 12 degrees. For Kingston 13 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 14 degrees.

Tomorrow some cloud at first but becoming fine during the morning with light winds, tending moderate northerlies. Increasing high cloud is expected during the evening.

Monday overcast with general rain, heavy at times about the western ranges. Moderate to fresh and gusty northerlies, changing westerly by evening. Snow level lowering on the mountains.

Tuesday overcast with rain changing to wintry showers. Snow possibly lowering to 600 metres. Fresh to strong south to southwesterly winds and temperatures cold.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Monday 17th October.

2011-10-14T09:28:00.001+13:00

The large, blocking anticyclone still lies very slow moving far to the east of the Chatham Islands. Consequently the trough of low pressure lies slow moving over New Zealand with low pressure centres lying just west of the Chatham Islands and west of Fiordland. A southwesterly airstream prevails over most of the country with scattered showers in many areas and cold fronts affecting mainly the North Island although a stationary front lies close to Puysegur Point. The North Island cold fronts lie just east of East Cape, West of Taranaki and Auckland and in the South Island off the coast of Westland. A large anticyclone lies north to south through the western Tasman Sea with main centre east of the southern NSW coast and moving southeastwards. It extends a ridge of high presure to the south of the South Island pushing light to moderate southerlies onto Otago and Southland. A few showers may prevail at first but it will become mainly dry as the ridge pushes further on to southern districts. Tomorrow the ridge will lie over the Otago, Southland region with mainly fine weather.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for mainly cloudy skies with a few showers possible this morning but cloud breaking to give a few sunny intervals and mainly dry. Light south to southeasterly winds and moderate temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 13.7 degrees. Arrowtown 15.6 degrees. Kinloch 16.4 degrees. Wanaka 15.9 degrees. Kingston 18.9 degrees. Upper level winds for today at 1000 metres southeasterly 30 kph at times. At 2000 metres southeasterly 30 kph. Freezing level 1400 metres. Maximum temperatures for today are Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 14 degrees. Kingston and Glenorchy 15 degrees. Cromwell and Alexandra 16 degrees.

Tomorrow there is the chance of a few spots of rain first thing in the morning under cloudy skies but clearing to a mainly fine afternoon. Light variable winds and moderate temperatures.

Sunday a mainly fine day although high cloud will increase during the day with northerly winds freshening. A few showers may develop about the western ranges by later in the day.

Monday again a mainly fine day although with much upper level cloud. Rain or showers continuing about the western ranges. Northerly winds dying away and cooler southerlies developing by evening.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Sunday 16th October.

2011-10-13T09:22:00.001+13:00

The intense anticyclone to the east of the Chatham Islands is drifting very slowly eastwards and still holds back weather systems over New Zealand. The large and complex trough is slowly crossing the country. Low pressures are over the Bay of Plenty and in the Tasman Sea west of Fiordland, both moving very slowly. The active front lies from Northland down the west of the North Island to Wellington and then away southwards. Another stationary front lies through Cook Strait while further fronts lie off Buller and south of the South Island, both slow moving or stationary. The North Island is very unsettled at the moment with periods of rain, but this is expected to improve in many areas during the day. Conditions are more favourable over the South Island with fine conditions apart from rain along the west coast. An anticyclone lies centered west of Tasmania and should be moving into the Tasman Sea tomorrow. It should push a ridge of high pressure southwards to the south of the South Island tomorrow and this will bring a cooler southwesterly change with a few showers to southern districts during the day tomorrow. A few showers may persist at first on Saturday but the weekend looks generally settled over the Southern Lakes and Central Otago.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine weather with generally clear skies, but showers will persist about the western ranges for much of the day. Light to moderate winds between north and northwest and mild temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 14.1 degrees. Arrowtown 16.0 degrees. Kinloch 12.5 degrees. Wanaka 17.8 degrees. Kingston no report. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterlies 30 kph, dying out this evening. At 2000 metres northwesterlies 50 kph easing to 30 kph later. Freezing level lowering to 1400 metres. Forecast maximum temperature for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha and Glenorchy 16 degrees. For Kingston 17 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 18 degrees.

Tomorrow should be mostly fine at first apart from showers about the western ranges. However becoming cloudy with showers becoming general during the day. Light southwesterly winds and becoming cooler.

Saturday a few showers at first but generally clearing in the morning to a fine day with light winds and moderate temperatures.

Sunday increasing upper level cloud with showers developing about the western ranges but remaining dry elsewhere. Northerlies freshening and temperatures becoming mild.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Saturday 15th Ocatober.

2011-10-12T09:28:00.001+13:00

An intensifying anticyclone to the east of the Chatham Islands is drifting very slowly eastwards but really holding back all weather systems further to the west. A very extensive and complex trough of low pressure covers most of the Tasman Sea and New Zealand. Main low pressure to this trough is located west southwest of Puysegur Point and is moving southwards due to the blocking influence of the high to the east. Numerous fronts cover the country with the main active cold front lying north to south across the middle of the North Island. This front had been moving eastwards but now appears to be moving westwards again. A srong north to northeasterly airstream with widespread rain covers most of the North Island and will persist for most of the day. Heavy rain is expected about the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne until tomorrow morning. Other fronts lie through Cook Strait and just west of Puysegur Point. An anticyclone lies over the Australian Bight and should be pushing to the south of the Tasman Sea by Friday. This will produce a cold southerly airstream over southern parts of the South Island with showers later on Friday and in the colder airstream some snow is even likely down to low levels on the mountains. Weather should become fine on Saturday as the high pushes further into the Tasman Sea.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine conditions apart from scattered cloud, although showers will prevail about the western ranges. Light north to northwesterly winds and moderate to mild temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 18.3 degrees. Arrowtown 21.8 degrees (warmest temperatures this spring) Kinloch 19.9 degrees. Wanaka 19.6 degrees. Kingston no report. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northwesterly 35 kph dying out. At 2000 metres northwest 60 kph gradually easing to 30 kph. Freezing level lowering to 1600 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Glenorchy and Wanaka 17 degrees. For Kingston and Cromwell 19 degrees. For Alexandra 20 degrees.

Tomorrow mainly fine but showers continuing about the western ranges. Light winds and still mild at first. A change to cooler southwesterlies late in the day with showers becoming general.

Friday cloudy with a few showers and light southerly winds. Becoming still cooler with snow showers down to 800 metres.

Saturday any remaining showers soon clearing to a fine day with light winds. Still cool with light frosts likely at night.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Friday 14th October.

2011-10-11T09:29:00.000+13:00

A narrow, slow moving anticyclone lies to the east of New Zealand while a northerly airstream covers the country ahead of a very slow moving trough of low pressure which is moving onto the country from the west. A depression lies just to the west of Fiordland and is moving southwards due to the blocking high to the east. This low should move away to the south of New Zealand during today. A small front is moving over the centre of the North Island while the main cold front associated with the trough lies just to the west of the South Island and is moving eastwards over the upper North Island. It should cross the whole country by tonight then become slow moving just to the east while the upper part of it moves back westwards over the North Island tomorrow. A further trough lies to the south of Tasmania and the cold front associated with it should be moving up over the South Island during tomorrow followed by cooler southwesterly winds. The trough should be moving slowly eastwards over the South Island from Thursday with a few showers, but more frequent and heavier about the western ranges.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for partly cloudy but fine dry weather except about the western ranges where showers will persist for much of the day. Moderate winds between west and north, fresh at first in a few exposed places but generally decreasing. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 17.3 degrees. Arrowtown 18.4 degrees. Kinloch 18.8 degrees. Wanaka 17.2 degrees. Kingston 21.5 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northeasterly gale 80 kph, changing northwest 60 kph this morning, then easing to 40 kph this afternoon. At 2000 metres severe northeasterly gale 100 kph, changing northwest this morning and easing to gale 75 kph. Northwest easing to 60 kph this evening. Freezing level rising to 2600 metres this morning, then lowering to 1800 metres by this evening. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 19 degrees. For Kingston and Glenorchy 20 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 21 degrees.

Tomorrow a mostly fine day although some cloud at times and periods of rain about the western ranges. A cooler change from westerlies to southwesterlies is likely later in the day with a few showers.

Thursday and Friday cloudy skies with a few showers but mostly dry with some sunny periods as well. Moderate winds between west and southwest and moderate temperatures.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Thursday 13th October.

2011-10-10T09:33:00.001+13:00

An anticyclone which covered New Zealand yesterday has now moved off to the east of the country and will continue to move away eastwards today as a very large and complex trough of low pressure covering the Tasman Sea moves closer to the country. A freshening north to northeasterly airstream ahead of this trough is moving onto the country. It contains several fronts and disturbance lines which are moving southwards over Northland and Auckland at present. Rain is expected to spread to most of New Zealand by the end of the day with some heavy falls likely. It will be evening before the rain reaches the Southern Lakes and Central Otago. The main depression centre within this trough is in the central Tasman Sea and moving southeastwards. It should cross the lower South Island probably by tomorrow night. Another depression lying south of Tasmania together with its associated cold front should move across the south Tasman tomorrow with west to northwesterlies prevailing on Wednesday before a cooler but dry southwesterly change spreads in on Thursday.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine, sunny conditions this morning, but upper level cloud will spread in during the afternoon with rain about the western ranges later. This rain will spread to other areas of the Southern Lakes by later this evening and a few falls overnight about Central Otago. North to northeasterly winds will freshen during the day with afternoon temperatures mild again. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 17.5 degrees. Arrowtown 16.2 degrees. Kinloch 14.8 degrees. Wanaka 15.4 degrees. No report from Kingston. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northeasterlies 45 kph, rising to gale 85 kph tonight. At 2000 metres northeasterlies 50 kph, rising to severe gale 95 kph tonight. Freezing level rising to 2000 metres this morning and to 2400 metres tonight. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 16 degrees. For Glenorchy 15 degrees. For Kingston, Cromwell and Alexandra 17 degrees.

Tomorrow cloudy with some rain at first during the morning but clearing to a mainly fine day by about midday. Moderate to fresh north to northeasterly winds backing more north to northwesterly and decreasing. Still mild.

Wednesday mostly fine and sunny with moderate west to northwesterly winds, decreasing still further during the day. Continuing mild.

Thursday fine with light westerly winds but a change to cooler southwesterlies during the day. Some increase in cloud but it will remain dry.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Wednesday 12th October.

2011-10-09T09:30:00.001+13:00

An anticyclone centred to the southwest of the South Island extends a ridge of high pressure back up over the whole country with generally fine weather. A cold front is moving off to the northeast of East Cape while a small trough line lies over Auckland and extends out to the west. The anticyclone and ridge are moving fairly quickly eastwards and should lie out to the east of the country by tomorrow. A complex trough of low pressure lies in the western Tasman Sea with several depression centres within it, all moving eastwards. One is expected to deepen quite rapidly and be approaching the west of the Upper North Island tomorrow. This will nring a freshening north to northeasterly airstream over the whole country tomorrow with rain spreading into the north and west of both islands with some heavy falls probable. Apart from increasing high cloud it should stay dry tomorrow about eastern and inland districts. The depression should still be lying to the west on Tuesday with rain spreading to all areas although it will only be scattered and light in eastern parts.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine, clear and sunny weather with little wind after a good frost this morning. Temperatures becoming mild this afternoon. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 13.3 degrees. Arrowtown 13.1 degrees. Kinloch 13.2 degrees. Wanaka 12.7 degrees. Kingston 14.5 degrees. Some good frosts were recored this morning. Queenstown minus 6.5 degrees. Arrowtown minus 8.7 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres northerly breezes developing. At 2000 metres northerlies gradually rising to 35 kph. Freezing level 1500 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 16 degrees. For Kingston, Glenorchy, Cromwell and Alexandra 17 degrees.

Tomorrow fine at first with a frost but cloud increasing during the day and light northerly winds developing and freshening in the afternoon. Rain will develop about the western ranges later in the afternoon but remain dry elsewhere. Still mild.

Tuesday overcast with persistant rain about the western ranges, heavy at times and occasional lighter rain spreading elsewhere. Winds changing from north northeasterly to north northwesterly and temperatures remaining mild.

Wednesday becoming fine with light west to northwesterly winds and mild temperatures.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Tuesday 11th October.

2011-10-08T09:44:00.001+13:00

Pressures are low far to the southeast of New Zealand while an anticyclone lies south of the Tasman Sea. Between these two systems lies a cold southerly airstream which is gradually spreading up onto the South Island. Some unseasonably cold air flows between these two systems but it will be very short lived and the coldest air has already spread to the east of the South Island. Cold fronts lie over Mid Canterbury and Buller, both moving quickly northeastwards. The high is also moving quickly eastwards and should lie over the South Island during tomorrow, cover the country early Monday, then lie to the east late on Monday. A low in the north Tasman Sea should deepen a little and move towards the North Island late on Monday, pushing a strengthening north to northeasterly airstream over the country. Rain will spread into the western ranges later on Monday and then to other areas of the Southern Lakes on Tuesday. Very little is expected about Central Otago.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for mainly fine conditions predominating although there may be a few snow flurries about the mountains this morning. Moderating southerly winds, becoming light by this afternoon. Temperatures cool with moderate frosts likely tonight. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 15.4 degrees. Arrowtown no report. Kinloch 16.5 degrees. Wanaka 16.4 degrees. Kingston 14.0 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres cold southeasterlies 40 kph, dying away this evening. At 2000 metres southerlies 60 kph easing this afternoon and evening. Freezing level 800 metres rising to 1400 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 13 degrees. For Kingston 12 degrees. For Glenorchy 14 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 15 degrees.

Tomorrow fine and clear after a moderate frost. Very little wind and rising daytime temperatures. Possibly a light frost again at night.

Monday fine although with increasing cloud during the day. Light winds tending northerly or northeasterly and freshening later in the day. Some rain may spread to the western ranges later in the day.

Tuesday cloudy to overcast with widespread rain about the western ranges, possibly heavy at times and some lighter rain spreading elsewhere during the morning. Light to moderate northerly winds and mild temperatures.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Monday 10th October.

2011-10-07T09:28:00.001+13:00

A deepening depression lies just to the east of the Chatham Islands and will continue to deepen during today. On its western side a cooler southerly airstream has spread over New Zealand and a few showers are evident this morning over the North Island. A cold front is brushing the eastern coast of the Wairarapa while another cold front lies off the coast of Buller. A weak cold front lies just south of Stewart Island and will bring a few wintry showers to Southland today and also up the east coast of the South Island. Yet another cold front lies further to the south and will move onto southern districts tonight, This will spread even colder conditions to the south of the South Island tomorrow with the chance of a brief wintry change to southern districts tomorrow morning with a few snow flurries possible. An anticyclone lies south of Tasmania and is moving eastwards. It is spreading a ridge of high pressure over the south Tasman Sea and this ridge will spread onto southern districts later tomorrow. A depression in a trough of low pressure lies off the Australian coast and this will be moving towards New Zealand on Monday with freshening northerlies.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine weather although a little early morning low cloud in some places at first, which should clear during the morning. Light to moderate east to southeasterly breezes and moderate to mild temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 18.6 degrees. Arrowtown 18.0 degrees. Kinloch 17.0 degrees. Wanaka 17.9 degrees. Kingston 20.8 degrees. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres southerlies 20 kph. At 2000 metres southwesterly 25 kph. Freezing level 1800 metres lowering to 1200 metres tonight. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 16 degrees. For Kingston and Glenorchy 17 degrees. For Cromwell and Alexandra 18 degrees.

Tomorrow a little more cloud is expected with moderate to fresh south to southwesterly winds. There is the chance of a brief snow flurry in the morning as a cold front goes through but clearing again by afternoon with probably frosts at night.

Sunday fine and sunny with light variable winds and moderate temperatures.

Monday cloudy skies or becoming cloudy during the day. Some rain will probably develop about the western high country but it will remain dry elsewhere. Light winds tending north or northeasterly and freshening later in the day.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago up until Sunday 9th October.

2011-10-06T09:30:00.001+13:00

A depression to the west of Northland is weakening as it moves east northeastwards and should pass to the north of the North Island tomorrow. It extends a trough of low pressure over the upper North Island to another smaller low centered well to the east of Gisborne. A stationary front stretches from Auckland out into the Tasman Sea. Another front lies east of Northland. A broad and extensive ridge of high pressure extends from Tasmania across the south Tasman Sea and the South Island to an anticyclone centered far to the southeast of Otago. This high is moving quickly away although the ridge should persist over the South Island for several days yet. This will give settled weather through to and including the weekend. A cold front lies south of Tasmania but will pass well to the south of the South Island.

Forecast for the Southern Lakes and Central Otago for today is for fine, settled weather with clear skies, light winds and mild afternoon temperatures. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were Queenstown 18.1 degrees. Arrowtown 17.5 degrees. Kinloch 20.6 degrees. Wanaka 15.4 degrees. Kingston no report. Forecast upper level winds for today at 1000 metres light winds, southerly 20 kph developing this evening. At 2000 metres light winds, southerly 20 kph developng overnight. Freezing level about 2000 metres. Forecast maximum temperatures for today for Queenstown, Wanaka and the Upper Clutha 17 degrees. For Kingston and Glenorchy 16 degrees. For Cromwell 18 degrees. For Alexandra 19 degrees.

Tomorrow and right through until Sunday an extended fine, settled period is likely with mainly clear skies, although some cloud is likely tomorrow morning which should soon clear. Light variable winds, gradually turning northerly by Sunday with mild temperatures in the afternoons. Possibly light frosts some mornings.