Winter off to a dry start as El Nino weather pattern returns to New Zealand skies

The highly anticipated El Nino weather pattern is back, bringing with it a “fairly significant” feature of cooler weather and a mostly dry atmosphere.

MetService meteorologist John Law told Michael Morrah on Ryan Bridge TODAY the return of El Nino meant most of the country would get drier conditions.

“It means the return of more southwesterly winds, which could bring a slightly wetter west coast and a drier east coast.

“No two El Ninos are the same. It’s shaping up to be a fairly significant feature.”

He said the wetter weather would stay on the southwestern side of the Southern Alps, while the east of the country gets a dry spell.

“It means snowfall would be best on the Alps so there’s better skiing conditions closer to those hills.”

Meanwhile those heading out to sports games and events this weekend can expect to feel the winter chill - but won’t need to remember an umbrella.

The mercury continued to dropand most of the country would experience clear skies, with the exception of some wetter patches on Sunday.

Law said while today’s temperatures were a “milder” start, they’re not set to stay long.

“Yesterday morning particularly; temperatures down below freezing in places like Waikato even parts of Auckland got down to just above freezing.

“It’s very different today from those 1C and 2C we saw yesterday ... but I think colder nights are on their way.”

Auckland and Christchurch have reached their lowest temperatures this year, with 0.3C and -2.7C recorded at their airports, respectively.

Law said Hamilton’s Mystery Creek was “one of the best places to be” this weekend as farming enthusiasts flock to celebrate Fieldays.

“There’s a bit of morning cloud but that’ll clear to become a pretty nice and dry day.”

Those headed to the Super rugby semifinal clash between the Chiefs and Crusaders in Hamilton tonight can expect fine conditions, with temperatures expected to plunge into the single digits just after kick-off.

Tomorrow the Hurricanes face the Blues at 7.05pm in Wellington while the Warriors play the Sharks in Auckland with kick-off at 7.30pm, with both centres in for clear skies and temperatures around 12C.

Wet weather is expected to hit the West Coast of the South Island early Sunday evening.