Issued by MetService at 12:39pm 20-Oct-2006
Labour Weekend Action Packed With Weather
MetService meteorologists have issued severe weather warnings for wind on Saturday in Marlborough, Wellington, and
Wairarapa and for heavy rain about the Southern Alps.
"Saturday's weather is likely to be similar to Thursday's", commented MetService Weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt. "The
cold front crossing the country during this holiday weekend will provide plenty of action. We are forecasting heavy rain
about and west of the divide, high temperatures in the east, strong winds for central areas, and a chilly southwest
change busting its way across Canterbury on Saturday afternoon followed by some snow showers on the hills."
"That's just for Saturday. The front's tail is likely to have a sting in it. On Sunday the front is likely to stall over
Taranaki and Hawke's Bay as a low-pressure system deepens over the north Tasman Sea. Rain should become widespread over
the south of the North Island."
McDavitt added that on Labour Day this low will dominate the North Island weather. "At this early stage, it is possible
that heavy rain could fall in a number of North Island areas making driving conditions hazardous for travellers
returning home. Keep up to date with the latest forecast."
ENDS