A front making its way across New Zealand is gradually spreading rain eastwards across the country today. The rain is expected to become heavy at times over the upper North Island later today and on Monday, where Severe Weather Watches are in place. In addition to the rain, thunderstorms are possible for many parts of the North Island on Monday.

“Rain is expected to become heavy at times in Taranaki from Sunday afternoon, and then the heavy falls will gradually spread eastwards across the upper half of the North Island,” said MetService Meteorologist Claire Flynn. “As the front moves onto the North Island, a low develops on the front, causing it to move more slowly and enhancing the rainfall.”

Severe Weather Watches are in place for the upper half of the North Island, and also the Tararua Range. Heavy rain is expected to ease in most places on Monday morning, though the Severe Weather Watch continues into the afternoon for Bay of Plenty. In addition to the Severe Weather Watches for heavy rain, there is also a risk of thunderstorms for many parts of the North Island on Monday.

“As the front moves across the North Island, it brings a moderate risk of squally thunderstorms for areas north of about Taupo during the morning,” Flynn said. “However, further thunderstorms are possible for many parts of the North Island during the afternoon and evening, due to cold air high up in the atmosphere moving across the Island.”

Watches have been issued for the upper half of the North Island, and also the Tararua Range. Southern Westland is on Watch for heavy rain until late Sunday afternoon as well.

Monday’s forecast for the South Island is looking much more settled, with mostly fine weather. Any remaining showers on the West Coast are expected to clear out in the morning. In the afternoon and evening, a few showers are expected to pop up for inland areas of the South Island, and also possibly coastal Otago.

On Tuesday, showers gradually clear over the North Island as the low moves away to the east. This is then followed by a settled Wednesday for the North Island. Meanwhile, over the South Island, a front begins to move northwards. During the second half of the week, a low pressure system approaches, bringing rain to many places.

© Scoop Media