Sunday’s weather map shows a deep low over Central NZ bringing strong to gale sou’easters to the South Island along with potential snow.  Heavy rain is also likely for a number of places in both islands.  Image / GrADS: COLA/IGS

Confidence is growing at WeatherWatch.co.nz of a weekend storm that could bring heavy rain, severe gales and some snow to parts of both islands and today’s quick moving front may just be the start of it.

Head weather analyst Philip Duncan says a fast moving cold front will zip up the nation today reaching Cook Strait in the early afternoon and Auckland and northern New Zealand this evening.  “While the front wont deliver big rain totals it will bring localised heavy showers especially in the west through until Wednesday and the associated low will cause strong gusty conditions in many places throughout Wednesday and then easing Thursday”.

But Mr Duncan says all eyes are on a “potentially nasty” low this weekend.  “The computer models seem to be all agreeing that a deep and widespread low pressure system will develop on Friday and deepen and stall across the weekend”.

He says heavy rain, strong winds and snow are all in the nation’s weekend weather forecast. 

WeatherWatch.co.nz isn’t expecting heavy snow to low levels just yet but says this low looks volatile.  “We’re pretty confident some weather warnings will be issued by the government so those planning an outdoor weekend this weekend should stay up to date with the latest weather news and potential warnings”.