HEAVY RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS ON THE WAY FOR NORTHERN NZ

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HEAVY RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS ON THE WAY FOR NORTHERN NZ

14/04/2008 12:00pm

> From the WeatherWatch archives

WILL THIS END THE WAIKATO DROUGHT?

A band of very heavy rain is this morning lying just off the west coast of Waikato, Auckland and Northland and it’s edging closer to land. The rain band, described by head weather analyst Philip Duncan as “tropical and volatile” is part of the sub tropical low still churning in the Tasman Sea. “This band of rain will move over Auckland, Waikato, north eastern Taranaki and then Bay of Plenty later today. There’s a good chance of thunderstorms within it, making for isolated severe downpours”.

The rain is expected to boost rainfall figures across the Waikato region today and tomorrow, raising questions that the worst drought in its history could be coming to an end. “As I said yesterday, it’s too simplistic to say that yesterday’s rain has ended this half year drought but certainly more rain this morning and then showers over the next few days are going to have a significant affect on it. Should there be more rain next week then I have no doubt at all that the drought will be mostly over”.

Duncan says the rain, coupled with higher temperatures, means good grass growth is “extremely likely” over the next 10 days.

Meanwhile TRN’s Weather Watch Centre is advising motorists in northern and western parts of the North Island to drive with extreme care today, amidst isolated thunderstorms. “Some falls could be torrential making driving extremely hazardous”.

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