Issued by MetService at 3:01pm Thursday 04th March 2010
During the weekend a southeast airstream is expected to strengthen over northern and central New Zealand as a low edges closer to East Cape, bringing heavy rain in the northeast of the North Island.
Forecasters have moderate confidence that winds could reach severe gales at times in Gisborne north of about Tolaga Bay also in eastern Bay of Plenty and Taupo from late Saturday morning until Sunday afternoon. Note that it is also likely to be windy on the central plateau, in Horowhenua and Manawatu close to the ranges, and Taranaki.
Heavy rain is expected to spread southwards in Gisborne, Hawkes Bay and on the eastern ranges of Bay of Plenty from late Saturday. MetService forecasters have moderate confidence of warning amounts from Mohaka northwards and lower confidence near the coastal hills and main ranges further south in Hawkes Bay (see chart).
As streams and rivers are likely to rise quickly in the above areas and there is the potential for some wind damage people are advised to keep up to date with weather forecasts.
The low should weaken later on Sunday and during Monday.
A ridge of high pressure is likely to persist over southern New Zealand during much of the forecast period until a shallow trough moves over on Tuesday.
Related posts:
- Breaking news – John talks live with Tasman Trespasser2 (Shaun Quincey) on 27 January
- Tasman Trespasser: Day 31 and progress continues across Tasman
- Mayor Williams weekly update with thoughts on Eden Park update and Shaun Quincey
- Tasman Trespasser – 3 weeks at sea
- Update: Tasman Trespasser
