Windiest Week of Year So Far

Issued by MetService at 01:22pm 12-Mar-2007

Windiest Week of Year So Far.

MetService meteorologists have issued severe weather warnings for heavy rain in Westland and Fiordland today and spreading into Bay of Plenty and the ranges of Gisborne tonight. This marks the beginning of what may well be the windiest week for the country so far this year.

"This unsettled weather may come as a bit of a shock after so much settled weather", commented MetService Weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt. "A deepening low pressure system is crossing the South Island on Monday and is bringing some rain to most parts of the country. A blast of polar air is likely to arrive on Wednesday and bring a brief coating of snow to the southern highlands and mountains, with some hail and squally showers, and possibly damaging winds to central parts of New Zealand."

"This week of wet and windy weather comes just before the end of daylight saving, and many will welcome its relieving rain. Even so, the seasonal outlook continues to indicate that there are still likely to be a few more periods of dry settled weather between now and Easter."

McDavitt reiterated that Wednesday's wind may be damaging in places and people should keep up to date by checking the latest warning details.

ENDS

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