Weather: A Blast from the Tasman Sea

Issued by MetService at 01:28pm 11-May-2004

A Blast from the Tasman Sea

MetService meteorologists have issued heavy rain warnings for many areas. This is in addition to the heavy rain warning already in force for the Mt Cook area.

For Westland and Buller rain is expected to reach a peak tonight. The heaviest rain is then forecast to cross western and northern parts of the North Island during Wednesday and reach Bay of Plenty Ranges by Wednesday night. A severe weather watch has also been issued for central Canterbury and the eastern Otago hills.

"There is a large complex area of low pressure covering the Tasman Sea", commented MetService Weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt. "One of the low centres in this complex is rapidly deepening as its moves southwards from near New Caledonia. This low is forecast to arrive in the area west of the South Island on Wednesday. The frontal band associated with this low is being blocked over New Zealand by a large high pressure system to the east. This directs the wind and rain patterns mainly onto places open to the north or northeast."

Wind and rain from this low should clear New Zealand on Thursday. Another low pressure system is being forecast to cross the North Island on Friday bringing some more rain but not as much wind. This situation is still evolving and regional details are likely to change. Those who may be affected by the rain may obtain the latest details from at the http://www.metservice.co.nz website.

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