More rain for saturated parts of the North Island

29 September 2016

More rain for saturated parts of the North Island

It has been a very wet week for eastern parts of the North Island, and more rain is on the way.

“A moist northeasterly flow continues to soak areas from Coromandel Peninsula to Hawke’s Bay, and a Severe Weather Warning and Watch remain in force,” said MetService meteorologist Peter Little.

“The heavy rain about Gisborne should ease tonight, while about the Coromandel Peninsula the rain doesn’t let up until Friday morning,” he said.

This moist sub-tropical air provides ideal conditions for a build-up of cloud and showers over much of the remainder of the North Island, as well as parts of the South Island, during the afternoons.

Mr Little commented, “It is likely we’ll see some cumulonimbus clouds produce localised heavy rain and hail, along with thunder and lightning. The Thunderstorm Outlook http://info.metraweather.com/e/60812/TSOutlook/bgjgy1/424589478 has more details.”

The good news is that a westerly change is on the cards for the weekend, as the northeasterly weakens on Friday and a front from the Tasman crosses the country on Sunday.

Mr Little said, “Although we’re expecting isolated showers for many regions on Saturday, those who’ve had recent heavy rain will get a welcome reprieve. There will be long sunny periods, especially in eastern areas. Eastern parts of the South Island that are currently very dry are unlikely to receive much if any rain over the next few days.”

As the front crosses the country on Sunday, most regions will experience a period of rain or showers followed by a change to westerly winds, which have been notably absent this Spring.

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