Spring lashing 'over by weekend'

Rain during the Rugby World Cup. Photo / Richard Robinson

Most of the country will be battered by spring rain and gusty winds this week, but the storm clouds should move on before this weekend's Rugby World Cup semifinals.

MetService warned of severe weather last night and today, especially in the Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Nelson, where torrential rain was expected.

Downpours and northeasterly gusts in Tauranga hampered attempts to pump fuel from the stricken cargo ship Rena yesterday, and stoked fears the ship would break up on the Astrolabe Reef.

MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt predicted that onshore winds would peak in the region this morning. The winds were expected to generate large waves of up to three metres, which could persist until Thursday.

Forecaster Dan Corbett said the region was bearing the brunt of a slow-moving front, which could empty up to 130mm of rain onto the region.

"It's the spring rollercoaster ride. We were up at the top of it in the weekend with the nice weather and now we're holding onto the edge of the chair. But give it a few days and things will settle again."

Auckland was likely be hit by a band of rain today, and the eastern side of the North Island would be pummelled by more downpours tomorrow, he said. The warm, unstable air over the central and northern parts of the North Island meant thunderstorms were also possible.

A westerly wind is expected to gradually get rid of the stormy weather on Thursday, and the weather system is expected to have little energy left by the weekend, when Auckland hosts the two knockout matches.

Mr Corbett said: "There still might be a shower risk for Saturday evening in Auckland, but it should be pleasant, around 16C or 17C.

"But if this low eases by a bit more quickly, we could be looking at a drier spell, settled with just some westerlies. It is an improving picture compared to what we'll be seeing [today] and Wednesday."

MetService has placed heavy rain watches for all areas from Taranaki to Gisborne northwards, and warned of potential gale-force winds around northern coastlines today.

Counting down

Saturday
Wales v France
Eden Park, Auckland, 9pm. Fine spells, westerly breeze, with a chance of a shower. 15C.

Sunday
Australia v New Zealand
Eden Park, Auckland, 9pm. Dry, settled conditions with small risk of a shower. 16C.