Changeable week but settled weekend

Changeable week but settled weekend

The complex low and associated fronts which meandered over the country through the weekend brought rainfall to the whole country. The most significant accumulations over the weekend were along eastern ranges of the North Island, where 40-80mm was recorded. Yesterday was also the warmest day of the weekend as a narrow ridge of high pressure brought sunny skies to many. Some upper North Island spots reached 16-17 degrees, as did Hokitika and Franz Josef on the South Island's West Coast.

The narrow ridge lingers across the North Island today, but a trough moving over the South Island later this evening is set to affect many for much of the working week. "Severe Weather Warnings and Watches are currently in force as the leading front brings a period of heavy rain to parts of the Southern Alpstonight and Tuesday morning, spilling over into the headwaters of Otago and southern Canterbury rivers and lakes," stated MetService meteorologist Rob Kerr. "However, this is unlikely to bring any relief to dry Canterbury areas," he added.

"Looking further down the track, the rain will sweep over the North Island mid-week followed by cooler southerlies and showers as we approach the weekend," said Kerr. "The more welcome news is that a broad ridge will move over the country during Friday and bring blue skies and light winds to Aotearoa through much of the weekend," he added. "With snow showers on the southern ski fields set to ease on Thursday, conditions for the opening ceremony of the Audi Quattro Winter Games NZ 2015 on Friday are set to be excellent."

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, at MetService New Zealand on Facebook, @metservice on Twitter and at blog.metservice.com

ENDS

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