MetService forecasts frosty but clear skies for Matariki long weekend

Bluebird skies, frosty mornings and ideal stargazing conditions are on the cards as New Zealand heads into a largely dry Matariki long weekend.

MetService meteorologist Alana Burrows told the Herald the country would be treated to a break in the wet weather for the long weekend, with sunny spells forecast for most regions.

While heavy rain will persist this morning for the ranges of the Hawke’s Bay north of Napier and for Gisborne, it is expected to ease throughout the afternoon.

“If you are looking to get out at dawn to see the Matariki seven sister star constellations, some of those regions in the north like Auckland, Nelson, and the West Coast of the South Island would be a good spot for some clear skies in the morning.”

On Saturday and Sunday, a ridge of high pressure will bring more settled conditions in time for the weekend.

A drop in temperatures is expected to accompany the lack of cloud, bringing colder conditions to most parts of the country.

“With those clear skies, that means that we’ve got less insulation overnight, so we could see some quite frosty mornings through the weekend.”

In the North Island, Taupō will be dropping to -1C, while Dunedin will fall to -4C and Aoraki Mt Cook could be as cold as -9C.

Burrows said the cold snap would be welcome news for those hoping to head outdoors, bringing “bluebird skies” to many popular ski spots.

“We’ve got loads of clear skies, especially like, you know, those ski fields in Queenstown and Wānaka.

“You’ve got a lot of snow there from the recent snow that we’ve had, and it’s going to be clear and dry.”