Severe weather is on the way for both islands and some rain is expected for drought regions reports WeatherWatch.co.nz this afternoon.

Government forecaster MetService has issued rain warnings for a number of South Island regions and heavy, squally, rain is also possible in the North Island tomorrow (Tuesday).

WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan says the low as the energy to push a front over the North Island’s drought regions.  “Again this is no silver bullet but it will give more tanks and farms a top up”

” I wouldn’t be surprised if the droughts slowly ease in the north rather than one large weather system fixing it judging by latest weather patterns” says Mr Duncan.

The front is expected to cross Northland to Bay of Plenty early on Wednesday but not before possibly delivering some fierce weather to the lower North Island and heavy rain to the West Coast.

MetService is watching the system closely.  “A vigorous front is expected to move northeast over the South Island and southern North Island tomorrow (Tuesday). Squally thunderstorms associated with the front could bring a brief period of heavy rain and strong winds. Some places may also experience heavy rain or strong winds over a more widespread area and not necessarily associated with the thunderstorms” says MetService.

See all current warnings here.

MetService bulletin:

RAIN  –  The ranges of northwest Nelson and the Richmond Range are likely to see about six hours of heavy rain late Tuesday afternoon and into the evening. About six hours of heavy rain is also possible about Mount Taranaki from Tuesday evening until early Wednesday morning. All these areas may receive close to warning amounts of rain (criteria, 50mm in six hours). This could lead to areas of surface flooding and rapidly rising streams.

GALES  –  Gale north or northwest winds are also likely to affect areas in North Canterbury during Tuesday afternoon and evening, and the Marlborough Sounds and Wellington hills from Tuesday evening until early Wednesday morning. Gusts could reach 100 km/h or more, especially about Wellington (including the Rimutaka Hill road). Although these winds are just below warning strength, they may cause damage to poorly secured structures and cause problems for drivers. MetService will maintain a watch on these areas and upgrade to a warning if necessary.