Wellington rain easing today but cold southerly winds set to bite

Cold southerlies are set to send chills through the Capital as persistent rains start to ease. Photo / Niwa

The worst of the heavy rain drenching Wellington and the Wairarapa is expected to ease today as the complex weather system responsible moves away from New Zealand.

MetService meteorologist Brian Mercer said the complex low-pressure system would have moved east of Gisborne overnight, with its associated fronts “gradually pushing north through the morning before clearing away to the northeast later in the day”.

A heavy rain watch is in place for Hawke’s Bay (from Tutira northwards) before conditions improve from midday.

While the persistent rain that soaked Wellington and Wairarapa this week is expected to break up into showers this morning, it won’t feel like “much of a relief”, Mercer said.

Cold southerly winds are set to send chills through the capital today, with showers expected to clear from late evening.

Mercer said river levels, including in the Hutt River, could still “lift slightly” as water drains from hills and ranges.

There is a chance of a few early morning showers in Tāmaki Makaurau this morning, but Mercer said they should clear by 8am leaving a “pretty dry” day with some cloud.

Temperatures are expected to reach 17C, with overnight lows dropping to around 8C as southerly winds persist.

Similar conditions are expected tomorrow, with winds turning southeasterly, a “protected direction” for Aucklanders that sends most showers over the Coromandel rather than the city.

Looking ahead to Friday, Mercer said another weather feature moving down from the north could bring a return of showers to Auckland, with the possibility for some heavy falls.

The South Island will be “an island of two halves” today, Mercer said.

“The West Coast is going to be fine, with relatively light winds.

“There could be some southeasterlies pushing down over the ranges, which will be a little bit chilly, but it’s going to be a clear day.”

Meanwhile, the East Coast from Christchurch northwards could see frequent showers in cold southerly conditions.

“Some showers in the Kaikōura ranges could fall as snow down to about 800m above sea level in the morning,” Mercer said, though the risk of snow is expected to lift to around 1000m later in the day.

Christchurch is forecast to reach a chilly 11C today, with southerly breezes making it feel colder.

Showers are expected to ease later today before temperatures fall to an overnight low of about 5C, bringing a risk of frost across many parts of the city.