Winter made its presence felt across the central North Island yesterday, with snow appearing at Whakapapa's base level and forecasters predicting more over the weekend.
WeatherWatch head forecaster Phil Duncan confirmed yesterday that Whakapapa had received a light dusting of snow at base level, signalling the arrival of proper winter conditions. The cold snap was expected to intensify overnight and this morning, particularly around the central plateau.
"We are expecting snow flurries today and then that snow level to lower tonight and tomorrow morning," Duncan explained during his regular weather update on Lake FM yesterday. "Hopefully overnight tonight, tomorrow morning a good bit of snow up there on the mountain and perhaps a little bit more a few snow flurries around going into Monday of next week."
Areas south of Taupō, including Waiouru and Ohakune, were forecast to experience the coldest conditions, with temperatures dropping even further today. However, a brief warming trend is expected mid-week as subtropical winds arrive ahead of another weather system.
The timing couldn't be more significant for farmers planning to attend Hamilton's National Agricultural Fieldays next week. Duncan said there was an 80% chance of rain on Wednesday - the traditional opening day - with around 20 millimetres expected.
"Once we get to Wednesday we do expect rain to be moving through," Duncan said. "It was a 70% risk yesterday. Today it's jumped up to 80% but we're only forecasting about maybe 20 millimetres."
The wet weather should ease by Thursday and Friday, with easterly winds typically bringing drier conditions to Hamilton later in the week. Temperatures will range from 17 degrees on Wednesday down to 14 degrees by Friday and Saturday.
Duncan recommended Friday or Saturday as the best days for Fieldays visitors wanting to stay dry, though he cautioned that forecasts for major weather systems can change. Farmers are advised to check updates on ruralweather.co.nz
