How do you help try and fix a developing drought? Schedule a cricket test in the region. This afternoon the Black Caps are expected to take on Australia at McLean Park in Napier and, well, it’s now raining.  In fact some falls spreading from over the ranges are heavy enough to soak into the ground in what may be the wettest day in Hawke’s Bay so far this summer. In fact November was the last time the Bay saw a decent fall of rain.

The rain clouds are likely to become more broken up and the rain patchier as the day goes – it may also not do much north of Napier towards northern Hawke’s Bay or Gisborne, although some downpours are developing there too.

For now, rain is falling across Wairarapa with heavy falls on the other side of the ranges across Manawatu, Wanganui and Taranaki. It’s then spreading east over Wairarapa and a big chunk of Hawke’s Bay.

The front will head north tonight but will weaken further on Friday in the upper North Island before fully disintegrating.

No other substantial rain is forecast for Hawke’s Bay until next Wednesday – when WeatherWatch.co.nz forecasters say a brief SE wind change may drive in a period of wet weather for Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne.

11am rain radar / NZ taxpayers, via MetService

– WeatherWatch.co.nz