A succession of depressions

MetService News Release
Monday, 15 Sep 2014

A succession of depressions

After a wet and windy weekend for most, the week ahead is expected to continue with a similar theme, as a succession of depressions sweep across the country.

The current hotspot for rain is Northland, with near record amounts during August. Northland can expect more rain at times this week, with the largest accumulations likely during Tuesday and Friday. The heaviest rain on Tuesdayis likely to be in the Tararua Range, and a warning has been issued. Meanwhile, a watch is also in place for heavy and persistent rain from Buller to Westland, including the Canterbury headwaters.

Wednesday is expected to be a the day of respite, as a narrow ridge slides across New Zealand, bringing lighter winds and a return to sunshine for most. However, a rapidly deepening low over the Tasman Sea brings a band of warmer and moisture laden air from Thursday into Friday, returning more strong winds and heavy rain, especially in northern and western areas.

"The low crossing New Zealand at the end of the week has a sting in its tail too," warned MetService Meteorologist Rob Kerr. "As it combines with a cold front pushing in from the south, it could bring snow showers to low levels from Southland to Canterbury late Friday and into Election Day on Saturday. This could be the first snowy election in the far south since July 1984. Meanwhile, showery westerlies will affect the North Island on New Zealand's Have Your Say Day," commented Kerr.

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

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