Yet another big rain maker is moving towards New Zealand and heavy rain is again predicted to affect areas already sodden by months of similar deluges.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says a new low in the Tasman Sea will bring a belt of heavy rain to northern and western regions of both islands starting late on Thursday and lasting through Friday – and it comes with a chance of flooding for some of those areas.

“Rain is expected to be especially heavy around the Nelson Ranges, Mt Taranaki and eastern Bay of Plenty” says head weather analyst Philip Duncan.

“On top of the recent heavy rains we’re advising people in flood prone parts of these regions to be aware of any rain warnings which may be issued and to keep up to date with the latest weather news on this incoming system”.

Mr Duncan says the low isn’t especially deep but is quite large, nestled in between two highs and taking up much of the Tasman Sea.  “Like last weekend we’ll see bursts of heavy rain in some areas while neighbouring regions may not be so badly affected”.  He says eastern parts of both islands, such as Canterbury and Hawkes Bay, will be driest – but will also receive some patchy light rain.

WeatherWatch.co.nz describes this system as being at the lower end of the scale as far as stormy weather goes but on top of recent deluges farmers and others in flood prone areas should be properly advised of any heavy rain event.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz