Finally some rain later this weekend

MetService News Release
Thursday, 14 Mar 2013

Finally some rain later this weekend

The anticyclones that have dominated the weather over New Zealand for the past few weeks will make way for the first good chance of some decent rain this weekend.

Media and Communications Meteorologist Daniel Corbett commented, "A combination of Cyclone Sandra's remains and an approaching trough from the Tasman Sea is likely to bring rain to most places by the end of the weekend, along with a spell of strong or gale force northwesterlies over parts of the North island."

How much rain falls in drought stricken areas will depend on how well the tropical air interacts with the approaching upper trough, as well as how quickly these weather systems cross New Zealand.

At this stage, it looks like the heaviest falls will be on the West Coast of the South Island with much more modest amounts likely over the North Island.

The expected rainfall will not be enough to make up the large rainfall deficits in many places but it will be a good step in the right direction.

The rain is likely to be followed by a period of showers on Monday as a cooler southerly spreads over the country. An anticyclone will move back over New Zealand later next week.

Keep up to date with the latest forecasts and any watches/warnings at Metservice.com or on mobile devices at m.metservice.com. You can also follow our updates @metservice on Twitter or watch the latest weather videos on MetService TV.

ENDS

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