Some stormy weather for central/southern NZ

All the weather news has been about the top third of New Zealand so far this week but now WeatherWatch.co.nz forecasters turn their attention to the other two thirds thanks to a giant Antarctic low.

While the centre of the low isn’t expected to move over land the strongest winds and heaviest rain outside the centre will affect much of the South Island and as far north as Taranaki.

Our government forecaster has “high confidence” of heavy rain across the entire West Coast starting Thursday in the south and lasting until Sunday further north.    Over the weekend they have “moderate confidence” of heavy rain around Nelson, northern Marlborough, the Tararua Ranges and Taranaki.  They rate the chance of severe gales in Wellington and Wairarapa this weekend as “moderate”.

WeatherWatch.co.nz believes gales are likely in eastern parts of the South Island and also in Wellington and Wairarapa however it’s too early to know if the winds will be damaging. 

The low is expected to stay well south of New Zealand which will minimise wind damage.  The wind direction will also mean the rain should be mostly confined to less populated regions.

Rain from the deep low is likely to reach as far north as Auckland overnight Sunday/early Monday however it isn’t expected to add up to much.

The north west flow that will cover much of the country may be a welcome relief for many who haven’t enjoyed the early start to winter this week. Temperatures in northern and eastern parts of the country are predicted to rise into the late teens, possibly as far south as Canterbury.