A gradual change over the weekend

MetService News Release
Thursday, 05 Jun 2014

A gradual change over the weekend

A broad trough over the Tasman Sea, currently affecting Westland, is likely to make very slow progress, so other parts of the country might not experience its effects until Sunday. The last grip of a large area of high pressure is set to remain over the North Island for a few more days before pulling away into the South Pacific Ocean.

As the trough edges closer and closer, cloud and rain should gradually push further over the country this weekend. The wettest weather can be expected over the ranges of Westland as the slow-moving front delivers a prolonged spell of rain. MetService has issued a Severe Weather Warning for this area. Weekend temperatures should stay a little higher than those observed earlier in the week.

"Although the loss of the high means we are likely to see wetter conditions at some stage over the weekend, it isn't all bad news as the return of milder air over New Zealand will give respite from those cold,frosty mornings," commented MetService Meteorologist John Law.

"The stubborn nature of the rain over the ranges of Westland could result in some high rainfall totals there over the next few days," Law said. Although the heaviest rainfall is forecast about the main divide, some is expected to spill over the Southern Alps into the headwaters of the lakes and rivers of Canterbury.

With both the All Blacks and the Black Ferns in action in Auckland this weekend, attention will undoubtedly focus on the city of sails. In terms of weather, the winds are likely to shift to the northeast for Saturday, bringing cloudier conditions and the chance of a light shower for the games. As official weather forecaster to New Zealand Rugby, MetService meteorologists will be providing special forecasts to the teams in the lead-up to their matches.

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

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