Welcome Rain Then Unwelcome Hail

7 Fenruary 2006

Welcome Rain Then Unwelcome Hail

MetService meteorologists are forecasting that a low-pressure system will take its time moving over central New Zealand this week bringing rain that will be welcome in Marlborough and Kapiti, but also some unwelcome thunderstorms and hail.

"Thunderstorms follow the rain", commented MetService Weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt.

"The rain band is moving over Westland on Tuesday evening and is forecast to form a deepening low over central New Zealand tomorrow. That means a period of squally rain and then thunderstorms on Wednesday for a large area stretching from Buller and Marlborough to Waikato and the Bay of Plenty. Places such as Kapiti and Marlborough will welcome this rain in the morning, but some of the afternoon thunderstorms are likely to produce hail and/or briefly intense rain."

McDavitt added that the low should move off to the east on Thursday, allowing cooler southerly winds to bring wet weather to eastern areas such as Marlborough, Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay with thunderstorms lingering over the central North Island and in Gisborne.

"The weather will be clearing over the North Island for a time on Friday, but showery periods are likely for the coming weekend. Those who may be affected by hail can catch the latest reports from the MetService Thunderstorm outlook webpage."

ENDS

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