Region on heavy rain watch

A severe weather watch has been issued for the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel as a heavy rain band moves down the country.

A deep low approaches the country from the north Tasman Sea today, then crosses New Zealand tonight and Friday, bringing significant rain and strong winds to the North Island today and tomorrow, warns the MerService.

'This watch is for the possibility that rainfall accumulations could exceed short duration warning amounts (eg. 50mm in 6 hours or 70mm in 12 hours).”

Heavy rain is forecast to hit the Coromandel this afternoon through to early tomorrow morning.


Heavy rain is making its way down the North Island today. Image: MetService.

The MetService expects the heavy rain to hit the Bay of Plenty from anytime this evening through to tomorrow morning.

Severe gale northwesterlies are possible from this evening to early Friday morning, then severe gale westerlies may occur Friday evening in the Coromandel.

'While rain will be spreading across most of the country during Thursday and Friday, the heaviest rain is expected from Bay of Plenty and Waikato northwards, where a Severe Weather Watch is in force,” says MetService meteorologist Claire Flynn.

'There is also the potential for severe gales for Auckland, Northland and Coromandel Peninsula until early Friday, though the winds may become severe again for Auckland and Coromandel on Friday evening.”

Low cloud with rain or drizzle is expected during Thursday and Friday for Wellington. There is also a risk for low cloud or fog down the east coast of the South Island - including Christchurch Airport - overnight and into Friday morning before the rain moves in, says Claire.

On Saturday, the rain is expected to gradually clear from eastern areas of both islands. In the west, rain or showers will be easing, and showers should clear in Wellington in time for the All Blacks match.

'Sunday is looking like the best day of the weekend for people in the east of both islands, and also for Wellington and Auckland.

'Not everyone will see fine weather on Sunday however - there will still be a few showers in western parts of the North Island, and rain for the west of the South Island, as well as Southland.”

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