16 Oct 2012
The Weather for Labour Weekend
"The strong westerly pattern over the country is expected to blow itself out over Labour Weekend," commented Peter
Kreft, MetService's Chief Forecaster.
"The holiday weekend should get off to an unsettled start, with wet and windy weather finding its way into many places
on Saturday as a trough rattles across the country," Kreft went on to say. "However, things should settle right down for
most during Sunday, as the strong westerlies gradually leave us. Monday is still a bit far off to be too definitive, but
is looking dry for most areas to begin with. However, there is the chance of rain finding its way into northern and
western areas of the North Island again late in the day."
Before the weekend arrives though, New Zealand is set for another episode of strong westerlies. Severe gales are
expected from inland Canterbury to about Hawkes Bay from later today through to early tomorrow, and gales should affect
much of the North Island on Thursday. And until early Thursday, heavy rain is expected on the South Island West Coast
and in the headwaters of Otago and Canterbury lakes and rivers. Rainfalls in the Tararua Ranges may also approach
warning totals.
Keep up to date with the latest forecasts and watches/warnings at Metservice.com or on mobile devices at
m.metservice.com. You can also follow our updates @metservice on Twitter or watch the latest weather videos on
MetService TV.
ends