Huge Contrasts In Recent Rainfall

December has been a notable month for contrasts in rainfall with high quantities on the Westland Ranges, above average amounts in northern areas, and very little in central and eastern areas.

"In the past week, remarkable amounts of rain have been measured in the Westland ranges with totals in some gauges exceeding 1000 mm," commented MetService Weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt. "The West Coast Regional Council site at Colliers Creek on Hokitika River totalled 1003 mm for the week ending 9am Monday. Other totals over a metre were 1057 mm at Waiho and 1082 mm at Cropp River."

"The latest heavy rain event in Westland is easing and moving off to the north. We have a Severe Weather Watch in force for possible heavy rain tonight over the ranges of Buller and northwest Nelson, also Richmond Ranges, and on Tuesday for the Tararua Ranges and on Mount Taranaki."

"Weather patterns have been so stable this month that many places have mostly been sheltered by the ranges and thus had very little rainfall. In the MetService network, Kaikoura stands at the lowest with 1.4 mm for this month to 10am Monday, followed by Cape Campbell on 2.4 mm, Blenheim 2.8 mm, Wellington Airport 3.4 mm, Brothers Island Lighthouse 4.0 mm, Palmerston North 5.6 mm, Omarama 7.0 mm, Paraparaumu 9.2 mm, and Wanaka on 9.6 mm."

"On Tuesday and Wednesday, these eastern and central areas are likely to finally see some useful rain, and then we are forecasting a period of generally dry weather from Thursday through much of the weekend."

ENDS

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