Wati's Rain

Issued at 12:24pm 26-Mar-2006

Wati's Rain

MetService meteorologists have a heavy rain warning out for Northland and Coromandel Peninsula and are forecasting rain in the north to turn to heavy showers by Monday.

WATI is no longer a tropical cyclone and has slowed down in the central Tasman Sea. Its centre is expected to weaken further on Monday and then cross the North Island on Tuesday, but that depends on how the system interacts with an anticyclone that will then be in the south Tasman Sea.

"The frontal system is spreading southwards across the North Island and bringing a period of steady rain," commented MetService Weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt. "Accumulations of rain are expected to be highest in Northland and the Coromandel Peninsular where they may exceed 100mm by Monday morning. Following the frontal rain, northern parts may get some heavy thunderstorms on Monday."

According to McDavitt this is the sort of situation where those concerned should continue to check for the latest forecasts and warnings. "It is unlikely that there will be lots of severe weather warnings issued for this system, but since it has brought tropical moisture to cooler latitudes there is always the potential of some further development."

ENDS

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