MetService is predicting turbulent weather for the end of the week. Image: MetService via Twitter
MetService is predicting turbulent weather for the end of the week. Image: MetService via Twitter
Batten down the hatches New Zealand - a turbulent end to the week is on the cards.
Some areas may get over 100mm of rain, Weatherwatch says.
From today, a northerly wind is strengthening.
Afternoon thunderstorms are likely in inland regions in the southern part of the North Island todayand tomorrow. They spread to the South Island tomorrow and Thursday as a low-level northerly wind strengthens.
Some storms may be severe, producing locally heavy rainfall exceeding 30mm in an hour - and 100mm over a few days - as well as gusty winds, and possibly hail, a Weatherwatch spokesman said.
A turbulent end to the week is on the cards with a low expected to affect the North Island from Thursday & the upper South Island into Saturday. Heavy rain & strong/gale winds are expected with this system - keep updated at https://t.co/hnwmGxU1gR closer to the time ^AC pic.twitter.com/jH7frSHE7g
MetService said that in Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taupo, North Taranaki, northwest Nelson and the Kaikoura Coast, there was "moderate confidence" of heavy rain on Friday and Saturday.
There was high confidence heavy rain would fall in Northland, Bay of Plenty and areas around Gisborne.
"In addition, on Friday and Saturday there is moderate confidence of severe gales across the northern half of the North Island from North Taranaki across to Taupo and northern Gisborne, while our confidence reduces to low for the remainder of the North Island during this time.
"There remains some uncertainty as to the exact track of this low, but this weather system has the potential to bring significant severe weather to northern and central New Zealand."
