Queen's Birthday: Unsettled Weather

31-May-2006

Queen's Birthday: Unsettled Weather

MetService meteorologists are forecasting generally fine weather for travellers in the lead up to the long weekend, but wet weather is likely in northern and western areas from Saturday and an outbreak of colder southerly winds is forecast to affect southern and eastern areas by Monday.

"Queen's Birthday weekend weather is a typical mixed bag", commented MetService Weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt. "During the holiday weekend a low-pressure system in the Tasman Sea will be moving slowly across New Zealand. This will bring wet weather but there are still a number of possible outcomes depending on how the situation evolves. One of these possibilities includes some heavy rain for a time on Saturday or Sunday between Northland and the Bay of Plenty and over Nelson."

On Friday, the weather forecast is favourable for travel apart from some early morning fog or frost in parts of the South Island.

On Saturday, rain is forecast to spread southwards across northern and western parts of the North Island and reach the Nelson area by Saturday night. During Sunday and Monday a cold southeasterly wind change should bring rain to eastern parts of the country but dry or clearing weather in the west.

Holiday travellers are encouraged to check for the latest weather details, especially before taking off for the return home.

ENDS

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