Cold, wet and windy, while sun shines in the south

3 September 2018
Cold, wet and windy, while sun shines in the south

A complex low is currently affecting New Zealand, bringing cold temperatures, wind and rain to much of the North Island and upper South Island. Meanwhile, a ridge of high pressure is spreading onto the lower South Island bringing frost and sunshine.

The main low centre, to the east of New Zealand, pushes a strong, cold southerly front up the country bringing with it rain and even some snow to the top of the Desert Road.

“The front then stalls over the Hawkes Bay region Tuesday and sits there for the rest of the week, with winds turning southeast and pushing the colder air across the North Island,” explains communications meteorologist Lisa Murray. “This is likely to bring persistent rain to eastern parts of the North Island from Tuesday to Friday, initially falling as snow about the central North Island, and bringing some wintry overnight temperatures right across the country.”

There is a risk of heavy rain about eastern areas from Gisborne through to the northern Wairarapa, including the ranges, from Tuesday through to Friday. MetService is also forecasting a chance that snow on Tuesday could affect high level roads.

“For those in eastern areas of the North Island, it is best to stay up to date with the latest Severe Weather Warnings and Watches issued by MetService as the persistent rainfall over many days combined with strong winds, could cause some issues,” Murray advises.

"Severe gale south to southeasterlies are forecast from Tuesday to Wednesday about the Marlborough Coast and Wellington, with strong winds for other places around the lower North Island. In contrast the weather is fine for the remainder of the South Island from Tuesday to Wednesday but frosts are likely, especially about sheltered inland areas.”

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