Wet And Windy Weather Coming
MetService meteorologists have issued several severe weather warnings and watches to cover a period of wind and rain for
the next few days.
The cause of these prolonged gales is a deep low-pressure system that has formed in the South Tasman Sea. Its normal
progress to the east has been blocked by an anticyclone and so this system will be affecting New Zealand's weather for
several days.
"The first part of this sequence", commented MetService Weather
Ambassador, Bob McDavitt, "will be vigorous northerlies in Northland tonight and a rain band sweeping across the North
Island on Friday morning. Heavy rain is forecast for Westland during Friday, and then the wind should set in. These
unstable west to northwest winds are likely to be strongest between Taupo and Canterbury. They should be accompanied by
squally thunderstorms coming and going, especially over the Tararua ranges, with some spilling over the Alps into the
Canterbury and Otago headwaters."
McDavitt urged those who could be affected by wet and windy weather to make adequate preparations. "If you are
travelling then allow extra time for possible delays. Double-check the weather forecast."