Weatherwatch.co.nz forecasters say another surge in heavy rain is expected across much of the eastern South Island today – but then it will ease to mostly sunny weather, despite another big low looming.

“We have a small area of low pressure just to the east of Christchurch and it’s this little cog in the entire weather machine that is specifically keeping the South Island’s east coast very wet” says Philip Duncan, WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst.

“While many areas haven’t had a lot of rain this morning heavy rain is expected to return this afternoon and overnight but then will ease in Christchurch first then further southwards on Wednesday”.

Late Wednesday night some more rain may return to the east coast north of Christchurch for a while as the main system – that was once a very large Tasman Sea low – clears most of New Zealand – but this will be short lived and in less populated areas.

And there is some good news – in fact two lots.

“Firstly Thursday and Friday look mostly sunny for the eastern South Island. Secondly, the next big Tasman Low coming in this weekend may only bring a brief period of rain which will clear fairly quickly”.

We’ll continue to monitor closely as with the heavy rain this week any additional rain could cause more issues.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz