A welcome period of rain for most of New Zealand

MetService News Release
7 March 2019

A welcome period of rain for most of New Zealand

MetService is forecasting an active front currently over the Tasman Sea to sweep up the South Island today, then move across the North Island during Friday. The front is expected to bring a period of rain to most of New Zealand, including some areas that have been very dry so far this year.

MetService Meteorologist Peter Little explains, “Over the past few months almost all of the fronts that have moved onto southern New Zealand from the Tasman Sea have weakened quickly before moving across the remainder of the country. This front should stay more active, which means parts of central and northern New Zealand that have been very dry this year will finally get some rain." "While this rain will be welcomed by farmers and gardeners in these dry regions, it won’t be enough to make up for the short-fall this year,” Little continues.

The front is preceded by a strong northwesterly flow, bringing heavy rain to the west of the South Island today, and warm temperatures to northern and eastern New Zealand. Heavy Rain Warnings and Watches remain in force for the west of the South Island, also eastern Bay of Plenty. Meanwhile, temperatures in Gisborne, Hawkes Bay and Canterbury could exceed 30°C in some places today. Following the front is a strong southerly change and a period of rain for eastern areas, with temperatures dropping back to normal across the country.

Although sunshine returns for the weekend, it will likely be intermittent. Little comments, “While a few places may have a dry weekend, there will be a scattering of showers across the country. Check your forecast, as you may need an umbrella or coat handy if you’re heading out and about.”

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