MetService News Release
Thursday, 22 May 2014
A taste of winter
After a cooler Thursday, more unsettled weather is due by Friday. A vigorous cold front, moving northwards across the
South Island, will bring heavy, thundery rain about and to the west of the Southern Alps. Ahead of the front, blustery
northwesters will make their presence felt from Canterbury to the Wairarapa. Meanwhile, behind the front colder west to
southwesterly winds are set to bring a wintry touch for the weekend.
Severe Weather Warnings have been issued for parts of New Zealand for the coming days. "Take note of the strong winds
and heavy rain for Friday and this weekend" MetService meteorologist John Law commented. "Heavy rain pushing up against
the Alps will increase rainfall totals for parts of Westland and Fiordland, with some of that rain expected to spill
over into the headwaters of Otago and Canterbury. Ahead of the front across eastern parts of the country, strong and
gusty northwest winds and severe gales in exposed places, are set to develop" he went on to say. "It will pay to keep up
to date with the latest forecasts, watches and warnings at the MetService website, metservice.com" concluded Law.
During Saturday, rain is forecast to move onto the North Island, leaving the South Island in a noticeably colder
southwest flow, with further showers expected about southern and western parts of the Island. On Sunday, skies may clear
for a time before a significant southwest change spreads up the South Island dragging another burst of cold air across
the country.
Wintry showers may lead to significant snowfall for the Southern Alps as well as snow showers for parts of Southland,
Otago and Westland, to low levels during Sunday. Heading into the start of next week a new high building across from the
Tasman Sea should bring dry conditions but still with a distinct chill in the air bringing frosty nights.
Keep up to date with the latest forecasts and any watches/warnings atmetservice.com or on mobile devices at
m.metservice.com. You can also follow our updates on MetService TV, @metservice on Twitter and blog.metservice.com.