MetService News Release
Thursday 28 January 2016

Widespread areas of thunderstorm activity in Northland and the central North Island yesterday brought periods of torrential rain for some. Over 50 mm in one hour was recorded in the hills of Northland yesterday evening, and good numbers clocked up over the Central Plateau as well.

Meanwhile, a compact low, formerly Cyclone Victor, has been tracking southwards and is currently passing just east of the Gisborne region. The low has brought heavy rain to the Gisborne region and places east of Wairoa and this is expected to continue until late this afternoon. So far over 100 mm has fallen in some places in Gisborne, with a peak intensity of 30 mm/h early this morning, and a further 60-90 mm expected to accumulate there and in the northern Hawke’s Bay.

As the low moves south of the North Island’s east coast tonight the rain is forecast to ease there, but will still feed cloud and drizzle into eastern areas of the South Island for Friday and Saturday. However, the centre of the low is forecast to pass near the Chatham Islands on Friday, bringing a period of heavy rain and gales there.

Into the weekend, there will be settled weather for the South Island from Sunday and into early next week. Unfortunately, a mass of subtropical air lingers over the North Island offering little respite from the humid and warm conditions which have affected many places over the last few days, although this should start to ease overnight Sunday. Scattered afternoon and evening showers are expected in central and northern areas of the North Island through the weekend.

For those attending the Rugby Sevens in Wellington this weekend, Sunday is looking like the pick. Saturday won’t be too bad with periods of cloud and the chance of a shower in the morning, while Sunday should be fine with a light southerly. Auckland and Nelson Anniversary Day on Monday is shaping up well with fine spells and light winds expected.

ENDS

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