The sun will shine on Central Otago this week, after heavy rain brought in the new year. 

The start of the week looks sunny and warm, with temperatures heading into the 30s by Thursday and Friday. 

Scattered showers are forecast for afternoon and evenings, while rain looks likely on the weekend. 

Cromwell-raised MetService Meteorologist Lewis Ferris says the warm weather will provide some drying time for Central Otago. 

“It’s been a soggy start to the year for Central Otago with our Alexandra station already clocking up 141.6mm of rain,” he says. 

“That’s around three times what is historically expected for January.”

Central Otago will have a chance to dry out this week, with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures in the forecast. Image courtesy MetService. 

“This week looks like it will almost be entirely dry for Central with plenty of sunshine in the mix,” Lewis says. 

“Wednesday and Thursday could have an isolated shower turn up in the region but it’s very unlikely that this will have a noticeable effect. 

“The next risk of any precipitation is on the weekend when a weak front approaches from the west. 

“The wet weather looks patchy but it’s the northerly winds that will be more pronounced – not overly strong but the breeziest days this week.

“Temperatures are climbing as the days tick over: 22°C today (Monday) up to 30°C on Thursday and Friday. 

“Still a wee way off the 34.2°C which was reached last January! Cooler air looks to arrive on Sunday with the high dropping back to 21°C.”