The mainly fine weather that kicked off the school holidays is on its way out, with MetService forecasting heavy rain and strong winds from midweek to put an end to the sunny spree.
High pressure that moved in during the weekend is the cause of settled weather over much of the country today, but tomorrow is set to bring cloud, northeasterly winds and rain to the southwest of the nation.
MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris said Wednesday and Thursday were the “main risk period” for severe weather.
“Heavy Rain Watches are already in force for western and northern parts of the South Island.
“It’s likely some of these will be upgraded to Orange Warnings and areas in the North Island may be added.”
The Westland District, Buller and Grey Districts, Tasman northwest of Motueka and Nelson are under heavy rain watches beginning on Wednesday into Thursday.
MetService said there was a “high chance” these watches would be upgraded to warnings.
A low-pressure system approaching from the Tasman will drag warm and humid air across our shores, bringing about “potentially severe” weather, said Ferris.
“While this does mean some warmer than average temperatures it also increases the chance of heavy rain as the system passes over.
“Strong northeasterly winds will also be seen before the rain arrives.”
Ferris said more rain was expected to fall in 36 hours across the Bay of Plenty than through all of September.
Snow is possible down to 500m in inland Otago and south Canterbury on Thursday as cold air passes over the South Island.