The first week of April may well be a rough one across New Zealand weatherwise predicts WeatherWatch.co.nz.

Westerlies are picking up strength while lows in the Southern Ocean continue to grow and move closer towards us as the build up to winter’s aggressive weather pattern begins.

Next Wednesday / ECMWF

Next week a large low is predicted to build east of Canterbury and may linger for the entire week – potentially driving in the first belt of sustained heavy rain for Christchurch this year.  While it will be helpful in removing liquefaction and for collecting drinking water it may cause further utility issues, particularly with storm water.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of next week see strong, cold, winds from the south or south east right along southern and eastern coastlines from Southland to Wairarapa.

However rain or showers could affect Christchurch and much of eastern New Zealand as early as Monday and last right through until next Saturday.

For northern and western New Zealand rain isn’t expected to be as heavy and widespread however a number of days next week look unsettled with strong winds mostly from the westerly quarter and several fronts.

Snow is also being predicted in the South Island by WeatherWatch.co.nz, possibly falling to the lowest levels so far this year although it is not expected to affect travel plans at this stage or affect any main centres. 

Highs around the middle of next week in Southland, coastal Otago and Canterbury may not even reach the teens.

A new Sub-tropical low?
Meanwhile long range computer models used by WeatherWatch.co.nz are now picking a new tropical low in the Coral Sea at the end of next week, with it moving our way.  

The models have been consistent for 48 hours however any predictions a week out can change significantly. 

Latest models do not show this low as a tropical cyclone however any sub-tropical low can bring flooding rains – so we’ll keep you posted.