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Parts of New Zealand are in for a soggy Easter weekend, with a slow-moving frontal system set to strike the south with heavy rain.
MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley told the Herald that both the North and South Islands would see periods of rain, but the chance for sunshine remained.
“It’s going to be a mixed bag all weekend,” Pawley said.
“Certainly wetter for the South Island and a few showers about in the North Island, but not looking too bad and plenty of opportunity to get outside.”
Earlier this week, he said, New Zealand was under a large high-pressure system, which brought lots of clear weather. But, he warned, conditions are set to change as we head into the weekend.
A heavy rain watch is in place until midnight tomorrow for the headwaters of the Canterbury Lakes and rivers south of about Arthur’s Pass.
“There is moderate confidence that a heavy rain warning will be required for the ranges of the Westland District north of Haast, and about the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers,” MetService said.
Because the system is slow-moving, Pawley said MetService was expecting large amounts of rain to accumulate.
He said the rain was also forecast to spill over into eastern parts of the South Island.
“We have a risk of some heavy rain for southern Canterbury on Saturday, and that moves further north on Sunday, so it could be wet about Christchurch,” he said.
Pawley said the beginning of the long weekend would be drier for the North Island.
“There are a few showers about, so the odd shower’s not out of the question for places like Northland,” he said.
Pawley said as we moved further through the weekend, the chance of showers would increase, and it would be cloudier in areas like Auckland and Northland.
At this stage, the North Island is not at risk of any severe rain until Tuesday.
MetService meteorologist John Law said Whanganui and Palmerston North are likely to enjoy plenty of fine weather this weekend. Photo / 123rf
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Pawley said Manawatū was set to have the most favourable weather, with MetService meteorologist John Law also saying Whanganui and Palmerston North looked likely to enjoy plenty of sunshine.
