Wet weather warnings

MetService forecasters have issued Severe Weather Warnings for heavy rain as a low-pressure system moves towards the South Island from the Tasman Sea. Fronts associated with this system are expected to move onto the North Island and western parts of the South Island, on Tuesday, bringing widespread rain that is likely to be heavy and thundery.

"Many hilly areas exposed to the northerly winds may get 80 to 100 mm over a 12 hour period", commented MetService Weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt. "However, the rain is expected to be heavier and last longer about the ranges of eastern Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne where 200 mm of rain is possible over a 24 hour period extending into Wednesday."

On Wednesday, as the low crosses the South Island, thundery squalls are likely for western parts of the North Island, along with a heavy westerly swell.

Mr. McDavitt added that the outlook for Thursday is cold, wet, and windy. " Computer models still differ, but some are picking a new low to deepen off the Canterbury coast. If this eventuates, strong southerly winds would blow onshore in Canterbury. More information on this prospect will be made available in MetService forecasts and warnings closer to the day."