Heavy rain is likely to affect the South Island’s east coast tonight through till tomorrow. More specifically we have heavy rain at the moment in parts of Mid Canterbury, South Canterbury and about the Kaikoura Ranges.

The rain in South and Mid Canterbury will ease tonight however about the Kaikoura Ranges and coastline heavy rain is likely to continue not letting up till later tomorrow afternoon. Also from about now heavy rain is likely about North Canterbury, especially on the foothills easing around midday tomorrow.

From now through till midday tomorrow a further 30 to 60mm is expected about the foothills of Canterbury, the higher 60mm figure more for the foothills in North Canterbury. A further 80 to 100mm about the Kaikoura Ranges and coast till later tomorrow afternoon then clearing.

Friday will be more settled as a weak ridge lies over us, then on Saturday the next incoming low ramps up the wet weather once again. Heaviest falls are likely to be in the north and east of the North Island late on Saturday and on Sunday, for the rest of the week the heaviest falls will likely be in the east of New Zealand easing on Friday before yet another low pressure system.

Homepage image / Thursday 9th August midday rain map, weathermap.co.nz

By weather analyst Aaron Wilkinson, WeatherWatch.co.nz