Departing low opens the door for gale southerlies

Departing low opens the door for gale southerlies

Showery, windy weather continues in many places today as a low moves away to the east. Unfortunately, this departing low opens the door for more rain and gales – this time from the south – to spread up eastern coasts in its wake.

As the southerly change spreads north, heavy rain is possible in some places. “A Severe Weather Watch for heavy rain is in force for parts of Marlborough and Canterbury,” commented MetService Meteorologist Derek Holland. “A Watch for severe gales is also in force for Wellington and Marlborough, especially the Kaikoura Coast.” The full watch is available at http://info.metraweather.com/e/60812/SWWatch/bv1yx3/455078250.

“While these conditions may hamper post-quake efforts in the Kaikoura area later today and into Friday morning, the good news is that largely settled weather should follow for Kaikoura from Friday afternoon through to the middle of next week,” Holland went on to say.

Further north, heavy showers are forecast for many North Island areas today. There is also a risk of isolated thunderstorms and hail, especially about and north of Waikato and along the East Coast south of Napier.

“On a positive note, we’re forecasting an improving trend heading into the weekend,” said Mr Holland.

“Southwesterlies bring showers to western coasts on Saturday, but the weather is generally settled elsewhere and during Sunday,” he said. Southwest winds ease on Sunday, followed by a narrow ridge of high pressure moving onto the country on Monday.

Warmer temperatures are also expected in many eastern and northern places on the weekend, rising to 20C or more in some urban centres. “After the wet weather of this past week, people will no doubt be eager for the opportunity to get out and about as the weather improves,” commented Holland.

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