Crossing Lows Bring Rain

Crossing Lows Bring Rain

Frontal bands moving northwards over the South Island on Thursday brought heavy rain to the West Coast, causing disruption to traffic on State Highway 6 with some flooding and land slips. Further periods of rain are expected over central New Zealand today as these frontal bands lie slow moving across the region.

Meanwhile a low over the Tasman Sea deepens on Friday and starts approaching New Zealand from the west. “Frontal bands ahead of this low will bring more rain, some of which will be significant for central parts of the country” said MetService Meteorologist Derek Holland. A warning is now in force for the Tararua Range and watches have been issued for some areas. As the low pressure rolls across the country on Saturday, further bursts of rain can be expected across the North Island, with heavy falls over the Bay of Plenty’s eastern areas.

Rain is expected to develop and spread throughout the Canterbury region on Friday, on their Anniversary Day. This will slowly ease to showers during Saturday afternoon. “Sunday is looking the best day of the long weekend in Canterbury, with some sunny breaks developing”, commented Holland. Over the remainder of the country on Sunday, a few showers are expected in eastern areas, with fine spells elsewhere.

Next week changeable spring weather reasserts itself, with another low pressure system approaching New Zealand from the west “Rain can be expected over most areas by Mondayevening, with heavy falls and possible thunderstorms in the west” said Holland.

Official Severe Weather Watches and Warnings are reviewed and re-issued by MetService at least every twelve hours, and more often if necessary. To get the most up to date information on severe weather around the country, or any other forecasts, see metservice.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 and @MetServiceWARN on Twitter and at blog.metservice.com

MetService issues Warnings, Watches and Outlooks for severe weather over New Zealand.

Warnings are about taking action when severe weather is imminent or is occurring. They are issued only when required.
Recommendation: ACT

Watches are about being alert when severe weather is possible, but not sufficiently imminent or certain for a Warning to be issued. They are issued only when required.
Recommendation: BE READY

Outlooks are about looking ahead, providing advance information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings. They are issued routinely once or twice a day.
Recommendation: PLAN

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