Christchurch

Short New Zealand Forecast

The Short New Zealand Forecast is a general description of the weather for all New Zealand, including the Chatham Islands. Where appropriate, the forecast includes indication of high winds, significant rain and/or snowfalls, and any extremes in temperature and humidity. Special emphasis is given to hazardous weather conditions.

If you're reading the Short New Zealand Forecast in the afternoon or evening (that is, after the issue due by 11.30am NZST), it will cover the remainder of today and tomorrow.

If you're reading the Short New Zealand Forecast in the morning (that is, before the issue due by 11.30am NZST), it will cover today only.

Short New Zealand Forecast

The Short New Zealand Forecast is a general description of the weather for all New Zealand, including the Chatham Islands. Where appropriate, the forecast includes indication of high winds, significant rain and/or snowfalls, and any extremes in temperature and humidity. Special emphasis is given to hazardous weather conditions.

If you're reading the Short New Zealand Forecast in the afternoon or evening (that is, after the issue due by 11.30am NZST), it will cover the remainder of today and tomorrow.

If you're reading the Short New Zealand Forecast in the morning (that is, before the issue due by 11.30am NZST), it will cover today only.

Ten Day Forecast

Days 6-10 of the forecast are site-specific forecasts which have been automatically generated by MetService's computer weather modelling system and have not been moderated by forecasters.

Ultra Violet Index

UV ratings are available from this site from 01 October to 31 March.

The UV Index (UVI) is a simple measure of the UV radiation level at the Earth's surface. It has been designed to indicate the potential for adverse health effects and to encourage people to protect themselves. The UVI is a forecast of the peak intensity of UV expected to reach the Earth's surface under clear skies and when the sun is highest. The UVI is higher in the mountains than it is at sea level.

Tides Help

Local time is used (corrected to NZDT during daylight saving). Height is in metres.

Note that, just as in any tide table, tide times and heights are calculated using averaged gravitational data and measurements at standard ports. The effect of passing weather systems is NOT included.

Sun and Moon rise and set times

Sunrise is that instant in the morning, under ideal meteorological conditions, when the upper edge of the sun's disk crosses a flat sea horizon.
Sunset is that instant in the evening, under ideal meteorological conditions, when the upper edge of the sun's disk crosses a flat sea horizon.

Moonrise is that instant when, in the eastern sky, under ideal meteorological conditions, the upper edge of the moon's disk crosses a flat sea horizon.
Moonset is that instant when, in the western sky, under ideal meteorological conditions, the upper edge of the moon's disk crosses a flat sea horizon.

Moon Phases

As the relative positions of the Sun, Moon and Earth change, differing proportions of the Moon's visible surface are illuminated by the Sun.

A new moon occurs when the apparent longitudes of the Moon and Sun differ by 0°. At this time the moon does not appear to be illuminated.

A first quarter moon occurs when the apparent longitudes of the moon and sun differ by 90°. At this time 50% of the moon's visible surface is illuminated.

A full moon occurs when the apparent longitudes of the moon and sun differ by 180°. At this time 100% of the moon's visible surface is illuminated.

The last quarter moon occurs when the apparent longitudes of the moon and sun differ by 270°. At this time 50% of the moon's visible surface is illuminated.

Situation Statement

This is a brief discussion of those weather features which are expected to directly affect New Zealand within the next day or so. The statement may also mention significant weather events expected beyond the next day. The Situation Statement is updated four times per day.