A trough on the horizon

MetService News Release
Thursday, 11 Sep 2014

A trough on the horizon

A ridge of high pressure, which has brought settled weather to the country this week, is now sliding away to the east. A trough approaching from the Tasman Sea is set to bring rain to most of the country on Friday and Saturday, before moving away to the east on Sunday. "We're expecting that very few places will miss out on rain," commented MetService Meteorologist Peter Little. "The heaviest and most persistent falls are expected in the north and west of both islands, and a heavy rain watch has been issued for some regions," Little added.

This is good news for farmers on the West Coast, where a near-record dry spell should come to an end. "It's not often that folk on the coast want rain, but after three weeks of unseasonably dry weather this rain will be welcomed by many," said Little.

As the trough crosses the country the moist northerly flow will be replaced by cooler southwesterlies. "By the end of the weekend the rain should have cleared as a ridge builds behind the trough, though a few showers will linger in the west," said Little. "However, another rain bearing trough is readying itself to move onto the country early next week,so the more unsettled weather pattern we expect during springtime looks to have finally arrived," added Little.

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