Wet weather on its way

Wet weather on its way

After the settled weather this weekend, things are set to change during the first half of the week. A front - which has been slowly approaching New Zealand from south of Australia - is expected to move onto the South Island on Monday and into Tuesday. The front will then move across the North Island on Tuesday.

Rain is expected in most regions as this feature progresses across the country. A warning is in place for heavy rain in Westland, and there is a watch for Fiordland. There is also potential for northwesterly gales to become severe in eastern areas ahead of the front, and watches have been issued for Southland, Otago, Canterbury, Wairarapa and central Hawkes Bay.

Behind the front, cold southerly air is expected to move onto the country.

"There is still some uncertainty regarding how cold this air will be,particularly for the east of the South Island on Tuesday," said MetService meteorologist Claire Flynn. "The southerly winds could also be quite strong, especially about coastal areas. MetService will be monitoring this feature as it approaches, and encourages the public to keep up to date with the latest forecasts."

The front moves away from the country on Wednesday, leaving behind an easing west to southwesterly flow. This means that showers will clear in the east, though they are expected to linger in northern and western areas, as well as the far south.

"This pattern should persist into Thursday. However, another front approaches the far south on Friday," Flynn said.

Keep up to date with the latest forecasts and any watches/warnings at metservice.com or on mobile devices at m.metservice.com. You can also follow our updates on MetService TV, at MetService New Zealand on Facebook, @metservice on Twitter and at blog.metservice.com.

MetService issues Warnings, Watches and Outlooks for severe weather over New Zealand.
Warnings are about taking action:
* When severe weather is imminent or is occurring
* Issued only when required
* Recommendation: ACT
Watches are about being alert:
* When severe weather is possible, but not sufficiently imminent or certain for a Warning to be issued
* Issued only when required
* Recommendation: BE READY
Outlooks are about looking ahead:
* To provide advance information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings
* Issued routinely once or twice a day
* Recommendation: PLAN

ends

© Scoop Media