Fiordland and Westland are bracing for heavy rainfall starting tonight, while Auckland and Northland could see temperatures climb to a balmy 29°C (84°F) tomorrow, a stark contrast across New Zealand.
South Island Drenched, north Island Steams: A Tale of Two Weather Systems
A dramatic shift in weather is unfolding across New Zealand, with heavy rain watches issued for the South Island and muggy conditions expected in the North.
- Heavy rain watches are in effect for Fiordland,Westland,Marlborough,and Canterbury.
- Rainfall is expected to move eastward across the South Island on Tuesday.
- Auckland and Northland are forecast to reach 29°C (84°F) tomorrow, with high humidity.
- A chance of snow exists at elevations as low as 1,200 meters in the South Island.
A period of heavy rain is anticipated to impact Fiordland and southern Westland beginning Monday,then spread eastward across the country on Tuesday,affecting portions of Canterbury and Marlborough. Specific watches were issued from midnight Sunday for Fiordland, 6 a.m. Monday for Westland south of Franz Josef Glacier, and 2 a.m. Monday for Marlborough south of Seddon and Canterbury north of the Rangitata River.
A: A tropical low traveling from Fiji is bringing warm, moist air to the North Island, while a low-pressure system developing in the Tasman Sea is ushering in colder air and precipitation to the South.
Following the rain, an area of low pressure developing in the Tasman Sea is expected to bring colder air to eastern parts of the south Island.Kiwis heading into the hills should be prepared for a potential dusting of snow. “Currently forecast to reach as low as 1200 metres; if you’re heading up into the hills this week, make sure you’re prepared for the chance of snow,” the forecaster stated.
Related
