Stephen Jones
26th November 2005, 10:17 PM
It's freezing here in the UK right now. Do temperatures ever fall below zERO Celcius on the North Island?
We need to know...
Steve & Lynn
We need to know...
Steve & Lynn
jubjub
27th November 2005, 05:21 AM
I think the lowest temps we had were -1 or -2, and that was only on a few occasions, only once did we have to attempt to scrape ice off a car, and even then it was such a thin layer it practically fell off as soon as the car was put into the sunshine.
the winters are noticeably milder, we came straight from UK winter to NZ winter so got a good comparison! You certainly dont have to spend hours wrapping yourself up and skating down icy roads in a car, or leaving you car running on the drive for half an hour before you can even start to scrape ice.
the winters are noticeably milder, we came straight from UK winter to NZ winter so got a good comparison! You certainly dont have to spend hours wrapping yourself up and skating down icy roads in a car, or leaving you car running on the drive for half an hour before you can even start to scrape ice.
Smiler
27th November 2005, 05:24 AM
I heard on the Tv weather it was minus 2 somewhere low on the South Island yesterday.
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rrrh.:(
D
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rrrh.:(
D
Diny
27th November 2005, 07:13 AM
Yeah I heard that too - I think it was Dunedin but can't be sure.
As for the north island, yes it does get below zero but not as often as back home and not for as long. The NI winters are milder than the UK but don't be fooled into thinking that NZ has a wonderful climate. Think of the UK and add a couple of degrees - and include lots of rain too.
Diny
As for the north island, yes it does get below zero but not as often as back home and not for as long. The NI winters are milder than the UK but don't be fooled into thinking that NZ has a wonderful climate. Think of the UK and add a couple of degrees - and include lots of rain too.
Diny
Stephen Jones
27th November 2005, 08:01 AM
Thanks for the info.
-2 in Dunedin? I thought it was supposed to be heading into Summer there?
-2 in Dunedin? I thought it was supposed to be heading into Summer there?
MB
27th November 2005, 08:40 AM
Hi. We got here to Auckland/N.Shore City in mid winter -- mid-July -- and fairly often had fine days in the 14-20C range. Opinions vary a little on whether this was typical, although overall folks think this was a mild winter.
But perhaps the neatest comment we got was that *spring* in Auckland can be (or feel) worse than *winter*. A few things about this spring bear this out: September, I seem to recall, was the month when Auckland went through a 2-3 week weather system that was quite cold, moody and oppressive, with sudden changes to hail, wind, rain or sun.
After that system passed, October got very pleasant and dry, and much of November was the same. This morning is bright blue sky and a fresh breeze after a couple of rainy days.
It might be that, working part-time now, I have more time to see and feel changes in weather compared with my full-time work routine in Seattle... but to me Auckland weather feels a bit more 'British' than does the weather of Seattle becasue Auckland weather seems more British-ly changeable day to day or even hour to hour. Seattle conditions often seemed a little more settled and the clouds flatter and slower, whereas here you really feel the effect of new weather blowing in over the water from a.m. to p.m., or p.m. to a.m. But, as I hinted above, this might be in the eye of this beholder a bit!
Finally: there really might be something in that half-joke/half-observation you hear about NZ houses feeling colder in the early morning than does the outside temperature! We stayed for weeks in a lovely but old villa in Ponsonby, and waking-dressing-and-breakfasting time felt really quite cold even in the spring, although there was no frost outside and within a few minutes of walking it'd feel really quite warm outdoors!
But perhaps the neatest comment we got was that *spring* in Auckland can be (or feel) worse than *winter*. A few things about this spring bear this out: September, I seem to recall, was the month when Auckland went through a 2-3 week weather system that was quite cold, moody and oppressive, with sudden changes to hail, wind, rain or sun.
After that system passed, October got very pleasant and dry, and much of November was the same. This morning is bright blue sky and a fresh breeze after a couple of rainy days.
It might be that, working part-time now, I have more time to see and feel changes in weather compared with my full-time work routine in Seattle... but to me Auckland weather feels a bit more 'British' than does the weather of Seattle becasue Auckland weather seems more British-ly changeable day to day or even hour to hour. Seattle conditions often seemed a little more settled and the clouds flatter and slower, whereas here you really feel the effect of new weather blowing in over the water from a.m. to p.m., or p.m. to a.m. But, as I hinted above, this might be in the eye of this beholder a bit!
Finally: there really might be something in that half-joke/half-observation you hear about NZ houses feeling colder in the early morning than does the outside temperature! We stayed for weeks in a lovely but old villa in Ponsonby, and waking-dressing-and-breakfasting time felt really quite cold even in the spring, although there was no frost outside and within a few minutes of walking it'd feel really quite warm outdoors!
Diny
27th November 2005, 09:18 AM
Finally: there really might be something in that half-joke/half-observation you hear about NZ houses feeling colder in the early morning than does the outside temperature! We stayed for weeks in a lovely but old villa in Ponsonby, and waking-dressing-and-breakfasting time felt really quite cold even in the spring, although there was no frost outside and within a few minutes of walking it'd feel really quite warm outdoors![/QUOTE]
There's alot of truth to this Matt. We live in a large villa which is fully insultated (roof, walls & ceiling and floor). When we wake in the morning (even now in late spring) it feels quite chilly. However, after a short while it soon heats up and we have the windows and doors open. NZ weather & temps vary alot from hour to hour.
Diny
There's alot of truth to this Matt. We live in a large villa which is fully insultated (roof, walls & ceiling and floor). When we wake in the morning (even now in late spring) it feels quite chilly. However, after a short while it soon heats up and we have the windows and doors open. NZ weather & temps vary alot from hour to hour.
Diny
Hannah
27th November 2005, 06:49 PM
I agree with the comments about NZ houses being colder inside - we have taken to going out during the day to 'get warm'. the house we are renting is very dark, surrounded by houses and the sun is on back of house most of the day (where toilet and laundry are!! Nice and warm when you go for a wee!)
3 observations here in New Plymouth (bearing in mind only been here for 3 wks) - weather is very changeable. A walk into town can involve a rain coat, warm fleecy top and a t-shirt...taken off and put back on every five or ten minutes. It can rain for 5 mins, then be warm and sunny for 7 minutes, then windy for 2 mins and another rain shower. I heard that there is a saying in NZ that goes "if you don't like our weather ...wait five minutes".
- Wind, wind and more wind!
- Dry heat - when it's warm it's not humid like in the UK. it can be very warm but you just don't feel that sticky, energy sapping heat that the UK has. There is more humidity in Auckland apparently, according to a weather documentary on the other day...
We travelled north and south island in winter 2 years ago. it was never as cold as UK during our 5 week trip. Motels were cold but after a cold morning start the outside temperature was pretty reasonable (the motel stayed cold all day - they can be like fridges, keeping everything inside cold). We've been told that was a freak winter. We did have some early morning frosts in South Island during that time too.
Saw an advert on TV here a few days ago, advertising "European style central heating" - it showed 3D pictures of a house with radiators all over the place, and comments like "you too can have European style central heating!!!". We had to chuckle... but if i lived here long term i think i too would want Euro style heating!!! Electric blankets are great, but they don't inspire you to get out of bed on a cold morning (and all mornings have been cold since we've been here!!!)
3 observations here in New Plymouth (bearing in mind only been here for 3 wks) - weather is very changeable. A walk into town can involve a rain coat, warm fleecy top and a t-shirt...taken off and put back on every five or ten minutes. It can rain for 5 mins, then be warm and sunny for 7 minutes, then windy for 2 mins and another rain shower. I heard that there is a saying in NZ that goes "if you don't like our weather ...wait five minutes".
- Wind, wind and more wind!
- Dry heat - when it's warm it's not humid like in the UK. it can be very warm but you just don't feel that sticky, energy sapping heat that the UK has. There is more humidity in Auckland apparently, according to a weather documentary on the other day...
We travelled north and south island in winter 2 years ago. it was never as cold as UK during our 5 week trip. Motels were cold but after a cold morning start the outside temperature was pretty reasonable (the motel stayed cold all day - they can be like fridges, keeping everything inside cold). We've been told that was a freak winter. We did have some early morning frosts in South Island during that time too.
Saw an advert on TV here a few days ago, advertising "European style central heating" - it showed 3D pictures of a house with radiators all over the place, and comments like "you too can have European style central heating!!!". We had to chuckle... but if i lived here long term i think i too would want Euro style heating!!! Electric blankets are great, but they don't inspire you to get out of bed on a cold morning (and all mornings have been cold since we've been here!!!)
clg
28th November 2005, 03:51 AM
Adding heat really does make a difference. We did not have it the first few weeks we moved in our house and it was quite cold in the mornings, it did heat up (when sunny) but took a while. With heat, we wake up to a warm house and then the sun keeps it that way most of the time without having to use the heat more durring the day.
I don't know UK weather that well but one thing I thought was different is that it is less grey (overcast) in NZ on average, is that the case?
I don't know UK weather that well but one thing I thought was different is that it is less grey (overcast) in NZ on average, is that the case?
veronica
28th November 2005, 06:14 AM
I have my own theory on the weather forecasting here in Chch. I think that the forecasters have to have a degree in creative writing and that they pick the weather symbols out of a lucky dip bucket.
Someone here explained to me the inaccurate weather forecasting is because NZ is a thin narrow island and that if the wind veers by a degree or two then the expected weather pattern doesn't come over the land. not sure of the truth of that but can see the logic. Also areas of NZ are at altitude and that affects the temp, as does the wind direction.(southerlies are really chilly and norwesters generally warm.)
the weather here can really be 4 seasons in one day. the span of temps for nov. here so far goes from 0 to 31 degrees. If you want to keep an eye on the weather in different areas a good site is www.metservice.co.nz its a nationwide site and has all sorts of useful info.
Someone here explained to me the inaccurate weather forecasting is because NZ is a thin narrow island and that if the wind veers by a degree or two then the expected weather pattern doesn't come over the land. not sure of the truth of that but can see the logic. Also areas of NZ are at altitude and that affects the temp, as does the wind direction.(southerlies are really chilly and norwesters generally warm.)
the weather here can really be 4 seasons in one day. the span of temps for nov. here so far goes from 0 to 31 degrees. If you want to keep an eye on the weather in different areas a good site is www.metservice.co.nz its a nationwide site and has all sorts of useful info.
GeorgeM
28th November 2005, 07:33 AM
Temps in NI - I understand that the Taupo area can be quite cold during the winter, especially if the wind is blowing across the lake towards the town.
On weather variations - I was told that a couple of years ago the temperature in Kaikoura dropped by 20 degrees C in an hour - from 27 to 7 - when the wind swung from a nor'wester to a southerly.
On weather variations - I was told that a couple of years ago the temperature in Kaikoura dropped by 20 degrees C in an hour - from 27 to 7 - when the wind swung from a nor'wester to a southerly.
foolsgold99
28th November 2005, 07:56 AM
Here is my wisdom (such as it is) based on 7 months in Auckland, got here end of april, so I've had autum, winter and spring so far.
The main difference between NZ and the UK is sunshine. There is much much more of it here than the UK. If you look at the article on the main enz site
http://www.emigratenz.org/NewZealandClimate.html
you'll see that NZ, gets much more sunshine than the UK. Auckland gets 700 hours a year more sunshine than Edinburgh for instance, 2050 vs 1350. I love going out with the dog for walks, under clear blue skies, lifts my soul.
I saw nothing in the past NZ winter to justify that name, from my perspective autum seemed to merge slowly into spring. Winter in Auckalnd seemed non existant. Even in July / August, there were still penty of nice days (16 - 18 degrees) where I could sit on the deck in shorts and tee shirts and read a book happily. Try doing this in dec / jan in the UK.
In short, summers are hotter, winters much much milder. Yes, it rains a fair bit, but for some reason it seems to rain mostly at night.
I'm also going to stand up for the weather forecasters, Brendon and Karen on TV One seem to get it right for Auckland, pretty much all the time.
The main difference between NZ and the UK is sunshine. There is much much more of it here than the UK. If you look at the article on the main enz site
http://www.emigratenz.org/NewZealandClimate.html
you'll see that NZ, gets much more sunshine than the UK. Auckland gets 700 hours a year more sunshine than Edinburgh for instance, 2050 vs 1350. I love going out with the dog for walks, under clear blue skies, lifts my soul.
I saw nothing in the past NZ winter to justify that name, from my perspective autum seemed to merge slowly into spring. Winter in Auckalnd seemed non existant. Even in July / August, there were still penty of nice days (16 - 18 degrees) where I could sit on the deck in shorts and tee shirts and read a book happily. Try doing this in dec / jan in the UK.
In short, summers are hotter, winters much much milder. Yes, it rains a fair bit, but for some reason it seems to rain mostly at night.
I'm also going to stand up for the weather forecasters, Brendon and Karen on TV One seem to get it right for Auckland, pretty much all the time.
veronica
28th November 2005, 07:48 PM
yeah, but auckland weather doesn't have the variables we have down here on the mainland, doesn't get as warm but doesn't get as cold either. (I also appreciate the original question was reagrding Auckland)
I can't answer for sure on Auckland in particular, just NZ in general, this last winter was the 6th warmest winter on record, so it wasn't a normal one.
I can't answer for sure on Auckland in particular, just NZ in general, this last winter was the 6th warmest winter on record, so it wasn't a normal one.
StevieD
29th November 2005, 01:48 AM
I have my own theory on the weather forecasting here in Chch. I think that the forecasters have to have a degree in creative writing and that they pick the weather symbols out of a lucky dip bucket.
For that read Diane Oxberry on BBC North West. OMG she is useless!!! I know she is probably only a presenter, but every time she reads the forecast - foget it!!! Sunny - read rain etc.
Good thread this though!
For that read Diane Oxberry on BBC North West. OMG she is useless!!! I know she is probably only a presenter, but every time she reads the forecast - foget it!!! Sunny - read rain etc.
Good thread this though!
macs gold
29th November 2005, 06:59 PM
Thanks for the info.
-2 in Dunedin? I thought it was supposed to be heading into Summer there?
No, it wasn't -2 here. Might have been in central somewhere (central Otago is around Queenstown, Alexandra, etc). But then today Alexandra had 28 today, so just shows you probably get a bit more variability in temperatures here than the UK - no gulf stream and lots of ocean all around.
-2 in Dunedin? I thought it was supposed to be heading into Summer there?
No, it wasn't -2 here. Might have been in central somewhere (central Otago is around Queenstown, Alexandra, etc). But then today Alexandra had 28 today, so just shows you probably get a bit more variability in temperatures here than the UK - no gulf stream and lots of ocean all around.
Mike & Nicola
5th December 2005, 07:23 PM
Just got an email from a mate who is in NZ, made me smile...
""You're arriving just in time too, the weather's brilliant at the moment and it ain't even summer yet. I wear flip-flops to work... class!"
:cool:
""You're arriving just in time too, the weather's brilliant at the moment and it ain't even summer yet. I wear flip-flops to work... class!"
:cool:
Hannah
6th December 2005, 02:16 PM
Glad i wore flip flops this morning in West Town, New Plymouth - rain was hammering down so fast that pavement started to flood and i was nearly ankle deep in water when i got back to the car park. For a horrifying moment i have visions of Boscastle type floods here in the district health board car park!!! Drove straight home to find pavement out side my house was dry (just 3 or 4 miles away). An hour later I returned to West Town wishing i had applied sun screen. How about that for regional weather change - not even the best forecasters can prepare us for that sort of variation!
Diny
6th December 2005, 03:07 PM
Woke up this morning at 6.30 and the sun was starting to stream down over the ranges. Had breakfast on the deck, showered and out on my shorts.
About 10 mins later I changed the shorts for jeans as it had turned abit chilly. By mid morning the sky had turned black, it was blowing a gale and tanking down. Freezing too - so much so that I went and got some logs ready to light the fire later. By lunch time the rain had stopped. Still cold as charity though.
By the time the boys got home from school it was brightening up and getting warmer. Now here I am 5 o'clock in the afternoon - all doors and windows open, bright sunshine streaming in and sounds of me telling the boys to apply sunscreen (yes - even at this time of the day).
It's true what they say about getting 4 seasons in one day.
Diny
About 10 mins later I changed the shorts for jeans as it had turned abit chilly. By mid morning the sky had turned black, it was blowing a gale and tanking down. Freezing too - so much so that I went and got some logs ready to light the fire later. By lunch time the rain had stopped. Still cold as charity though.
By the time the boys got home from school it was brightening up and getting warmer. Now here I am 5 o'clock in the afternoon - all doors and windows open, bright sunshine streaming in and sounds of me telling the boys to apply sunscreen (yes - even at this time of the day).
It's true what they say about getting 4 seasons in one day.
Diny
irishgirl
6th December 2005, 03:14 PM
I too wore flip flops today around the house today. Not really sure why considering there was a gale blowing, along with torrential rain, thunder and lightening!! And nearly broke my neck negotiating a very wet deck in them! Will someone please ring up the person who looks after the godzone weather and politely remind her that I need sunny weather soon please??
Better run - am busy being a kept woman! ;)
Dee
Better run - am busy being a kept woman! ;)
Dee
T-R3xx
7th December 2005, 01:26 AM
FYI: -21c in Minneapolis right now. I'd take 0c anyday. Last week in Wellington, I wore my jacket exactly once. Now I'm back to looking at webcam pics.
dbonnett
7th December 2005, 12:45 PM
Meanwhile in Colorado, we had winds to almost 100 miles per hour (ripped roofs off houses near us) and today we are getting snow with temps of -15c (and that will be the high tomorrow :eek: ) So, how soon can I move to Welly?
Jimbo Logo
8th December 2005, 02:02 PM
...and now I'm in Auckland! The weather here seems miraculous to me...
The weather & temps in Auckland do change often in a day--seemingly every 30 minutes. But, seasonally, there is a sloooow progression from one to the other.
I concur that Winter in the UK sense, doesn't really exist here--more like a protracted Autumn from about April to November--with the later months ("Spring") often being colder, wetter & wilder than the earlier ("Winter"). Very cold to an Aucklander is 10C or less. It rarely goes below zero (maybe -1 or -2) and only whilst it's dark. If sunny, regardless of the season, it's hot.
Unfortunately--and inexplicably--Kiwis think nothing of cold wind blowing through their homes and restaurants all year round. Even on the hottest days, I find the air uncomfortably cold if I'm sitting with no sunlight shining on me; it's murder when it's 9C outside!
For comfort, I recommend double-glazing & central heating. Both are available, though both are expensive, but with the former, you won't need to turn the latter on very often...or for very long.
Right...it's 4:00 pm, sunny as, and I'm going for a short walk to get a phone-card to call my kids in Scotland.
The weather & temps in Auckland do change often in a day--seemingly every 30 minutes. But, seasonally, there is a sloooow progression from one to the other.
I concur that Winter in the UK sense, doesn't really exist here--more like a protracted Autumn from about April to November--with the later months ("Spring") often being colder, wetter & wilder than the earlier ("Winter"). Very cold to an Aucklander is 10C or less. It rarely goes below zero (maybe -1 or -2) and only whilst it's dark. If sunny, regardless of the season, it's hot.
Unfortunately--and inexplicably--Kiwis think nothing of cold wind blowing through their homes and restaurants all year round. Even on the hottest days, I find the air uncomfortably cold if I'm sitting with no sunlight shining on me; it's murder when it's 9C outside!
For comfort, I recommend double-glazing & central heating. Both are available, though both are expensive, but with the former, you won't need to turn the latter on very often...or for very long.
Right...it's 4:00 pm, sunny as, and I'm going for a short walk to get a phone-card to call my kids in Scotland.
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