Canterbury is in for some stargazing success – and colder temperatures – this Matariki weekend, according to the cloud cover forecast from Earth Sciences New Zealand.
The Matariki star cluster is visible on New Zealand’s eastern horizon just before the rising of the sun. Earth Sciences New Zealand’s forecast for each region covers this pre-dawn period, from 3am to 6am.
The weather forecasters say the South Island has the best chance for clear weather each night and early morning through the long holiday weekend.
Conditions will improve for Auckland, Northland, the Waikato, and Taranaki by Saturday morning, and the remainder of the North Island, except Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, by Sunday.
Earth Sciences New Zealand meteorologist Chester Lampkin said via a statement that high pressure will be easing into the country this weekend, centred over the South Island, which will clear the sky and also drop the temperatures.
“Stargazers may wish to wrap up warmly, especially those in the upper and eastern South Island and Lakes region where temperatures will potentially get down to 0°C or colder.”
The forecast for the eastern South Island (including Christchurch and Timaru) for the hours between 3am and 6am from Friday is:
- Early Friday morning: Cloudy sky at the coast, with a few breaks in the clouds inland, expect a temperature between 0 to 4°C.
- Early Saturday morning: Partly cloudy and quite chilly, with clear sky inland and more cloud along the coast. Temperature between -1 to 3°C.
Conversely, eastern and lower North Island places such as Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, eastern Bay of Plenty, Wairarapa, and Wellington can expect cloudy skies for Matariki celebrations.
The Earth Sciences New Zealand Matariki viewing conditions forecast is updated 3.30pm each day for the following morning.
