Wet Weather For The West Of The South Island But Mostly Dry Elsewhere

A ridge of high pressure brings mostly settled weather to northern New Zealand this week, while a pair of fronts bring periods of rain and gales to parts of central and southern New Zealand. MetService advises that the northwest winds ahead of these fronts will see temperatures return to average or above average, with the warmest places likely in the east of both islands.

The first front is due to move onto the South Island on Tuesday. MetService has issued Severe Weather Warnings and Watches for heavy rain that is expected to fall in the west of the South Island, and Warnings and Watches for severe gales about exposed parts of central and southern New Zealand.

MetService Meteorologist Peter Little says, “Northwest winds ahead of the front will push up temperatures in the east of both islands. On Wednesday afternoon, Napier and Kaikoura are forecast to approach 20°C.”

The front weakens away over the North Island on Wednesday and is followed by a ridge of high pressure.

Little comments, “This front is expected to bring a brief period of rain to western parts of the North Island from Waitomo southwards on Wednesday, while just a few showers are forecast to reach remaining regions as the front weakens.”

The ridge lingers over the north of the country until the weekend, bringing mostly dry weather to end the week. Meanwhile, a new front brings heavy rain to the west of the South Island, and another period of northwest gales to exposed parts of central and southern New Zealand.

“Additional Severe Weather Warnings and/or Watches will likely be issued this week for weather associated with a front that is expected to move onto the South Island on Friday, so people are advised to keep up to date with forecasts,” adds Little.

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