Wellington Anniversary Weekend

Thursday, 15 Jan 2015

Wellington Anniversary Weekend

After a sustained period of settled weather for much of the country, an intensifying low and an accompanying front over the Tasman Sea are set to usher in more changeable weather in the coming days. This first front advances over the South Island on Friday before weakening, but another front marches northwards on the weekend.

These fronts will bring bursts of rain to western parts of the South Island and blustery but warm northwest winds to eastern places. "People heading into the Southern Alps and South Island high country will need to be mindful of the weather in the next few days," commented MetService Meteorologist Rob Kerr. "A Severe Weather Watch for heavy rain in Fiordland and Westland - as well as strong winds for inland parts of Southland, Otago and Canterbury - has already been issued for the passage of the first front. And further heavy rain and strong winds are possible with the second front on the weekend."

These fronts weaken as they move north, but are still expected to bring increasing cloud and a period of showers to northern and western parts of the North Island.

Looking ahead to Monday, the second front should weaken over the North Island while a cooler southwest change spreads over the South Island. "Fine spells and a few showers are on the cards for western areas, and mostly fine conditions in the east," commented Kerr. "We're keeping a close eye on Wellington for its Anniversary Day on Monday. The Capital should be able to celebrate in style with sunny skies. Even the strong northerlies will take the afternoon off!"

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, at MetService New Zealand on Facebook, @metservice on Twitter and at blog.metservice.com.

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