MetService News Release

17 January 2016

While most of the North Island has experienced a fine morning today, scattered showers are expected to pop up across the Island this afternoon. Some people may hear thunder this afternoon and evening, with a high risk of thunderstorms for those in central areas, including Waitomo and north Taranaki. In the South Island, many areas are cloudy already, but this cloud is expected to become more extensive by this evening. Rain will move into Nelson and Buller this afternoon, while Canterbury, Westland and Marlborough will see drizzle or showers, with thunder possible about some of the ranges.

While some places will see rain or showers today, more significant rain is expected on Monday. A front associated with a low pressure system lurking to the west of New Zealand is forecast to move onto the country tomorrow. Rain is expected to develop over the upper North Island, while the lower North Island will see some scattered showers in the afternoon. Rain is also expected for most of the South Island, as far south as Dunedin, providing useful rainfall to inland Canterbury. Severe Weather Warnings for large rainfall accumulations are in place for the Nelson region, parts of Marlborough, and Taranaki. Watches have been issued for parts of the central North Island and the top of the South Island.

“A northerly flow ahead of this front has sucked tropical, moisture-laden air southwards, towards New Zealand,” said MetService Meteorologist Claire Flynn. “This very moist air has the potential to bring intense rainfall, with downpours, especially about Taranaki, the Nelson region and western Marlborough on Monday.”

The low pressure system moves across the country on Tuesday, meaning that rain for Taranaki across to Bay of Plenty should be gradually easing. Other parts of the North Island should see scattered showers on Tuesday. Rain is expected for most of the South Island again on Tuesday, though the heaviest falls in Nelson and Marlborough are expected to ease in the morning.

Once the low has crossed the country, a general northwesterly flow establishes itself over the South Island on Wednesday, while high pressure builds over the North Island. A cold front then approaches the South Island on Wednesday night and into Thursday morning, bringing rain to western areas, and a few showers in the south.

ENDS

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