The next low pressure system to affect New Zealand is today forming in the Tasman Sea and gaining a little strength.  The low is currently off the Australian coast and by tomorrow will have a couple of centres to it and will cover much of the Tasman Sea.  But head weather analyst Philip Duncan says it’s not something to be alarmed about yet.  “The low doesn’t look especially nasty at this stage however due to the recent floods we definitely need to keep an eye on it”.

Mr Duncan says the low will bring isolated thunderstorms to some central parts of New Zealand late on Friday along with heavy showers.

But the confidence of the low deepening once it crosses New Zealand and out into the Pacific this weekend is starting to increase.  Many computer models appear to be at odds but Mr Duncan says snow to low levels along the South Island’s east coast looks possible.    “This low is quite unpredictable so it’s a good idea to check weatherwatch.co.nz for regular updates over the next few days.  The closer the low gets the more fine tuned the forecasts will be”.

He says daytime highs along the South Island’s east coast and into Wellington and Wairarapa will be only around 6 or 7 this weekend and that doesn’t include wind chill.  “Strong cold south easterlies will move up the South Island from Friday or Saturday and southerlies are expected in Wellington”.

“It’s probably going to be a cold weekend for most New Zealanders”.