MetService is forecasting that Easter Weekend will be settled on Friday and Saturday, followed by a significant weather
system which is poised to deliver stormy weather to much of the country.
A period of heavy rain is forecast for western areas on Sunday or Monday, and strong to gale force southwesterly winds
are expected over the entire country by Easter Monday. Colder temperatures are also forecast by the end of the long
weekend, with snow lowering to 800 metres over southern New Zealand.
MetService Meteorologist Peter Little says, “The culprit is a deep trough of low pressure, which moves across the
country from the Tasman Sea on Sunday and Monday. The trough is preceded by a moist northerly flow, which will bring a
period of rain to western parts of the country, and northerly gales to exposed places. The heaviest rain is likely in
the west of the South Island, and a Warning may be issued in the coming days.”
Following the passage of the trough a very strong, cold and showery southwesterly flow spreads over New Zealand, with
gale force winds likely in several places on Monday. Temperatures also plummet in the far south, with maximum
temperatures of just 11 or 12°C likely. The snow level is expected to lower to 800 metres over southern New Zealand on
Monday, with bursts of hail also likely there in heavier showers.
However, the Easter Weekend isn’t all about rain, wind and snow. Good Friday and Saturday provide settled weather across
much of the country, with plenty of sunshine about and just a few showers for some regions. “Those planning an Easter
Egg hunt are advised to check your forecast for the weekend first, as the weather may have deteriorated at your place by
the traditional hunting time on Sunday morning”, adds Little.
Meanwhile, Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold continues to track east-southeast over the coming days, while slowly
weakening. Although the cyclone tracks well away from New Zealand it has unfortunately caused significant damage in
Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga. “A peak wind gust of 150km/h was recorded at Fua’amotu Airport, near the Tongan Capital of
Nuku’alofa this morning as Tropical Cyclone Harold passed nearby”, comments Little.