Covid 19 coronavirus: Auckland’s good weather will test last weekend’s mettle

Mother Nature has blessed Auckland with excellent spring weather on one of the last days of winter, just as the region prepares to leave alert level 3.

The weekend is expected to be a pearl, with temperatures today and tomorrow expected to reach highs of 18 ° C with some rain.

It could create the biggest test of the current level 3 lockdown, which is scheduled to rise to alert level 2 at 11:59 p.m. tomorrow.

However, there are a couple of key differences from the last time Auckland was at Tier 2 in May, especially around meetings and skins.

Authorities are telling the public not to break its closure obligations this weekend, after the previous two weekends when the rules were not followed.

Hordes of people have flocked to Auckland’s beaches, skate parks, playgrounds, pumping tracks and even exercise stations, infuriating authorities.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says everyone is looking forward to Alert Level 2, but we’re not at the finish line yet.

“We all have to play by the rules this weekend and that means staying local and staying home,” he said, urging people not to become complacent.

“Doing so will not only help you stay safe from Covid-19, but it will also protect other people who may be vulnerable, such as friends and family.”

MetService meteorologist Rob Kerr says today will be a mostly pleasant day with some possible showers this afternoon and early evening.

Today there is a northwesterly flow over the upper North Island that is generating light winds, but the sky will be mostly clear.

The story would be slightly different tomorrow for City of Sails, Kerr said.

The westerly winds will begin to pick up in the afternoon when the northwest flow begins to weaken. There is also the possibility of a weak shower or two.

The coldest mercury is expected to fall in Auckland today is 9ºC and tomorrow 11ºC.

During the first weekend of the last Level 3 period, dozens of people enjoyed the sunny weather and warm temperatures that graced the region.

Large crowds could be seen on the beaches of Takapuna, Kohimarama and St Heliers, and not many people were heeding the Prime Minister’s advice to wear a mask when in public.

There will be a heavy police presence throughout the region this weekend, said Auckland City District Commander Superintendent Karyn Malthus.

Most people have been doing the right thing. However, the police would be there to interact with anyone who breaks the rules, he said.

“For any serious offense, the police have enforcement options available,” Malthus said.

“We will be patrolling sites like the Gray Lynn Pumping Track, Mission Bay Playground and Victoria Skate Park and will remind people to remain closed at Alert Level 3.”

• Non-compliance with Level 3 rules can be reported to the police by calling 105 or visiting covid19.govt.nz/compliance online.