WeatherWatch.co.nz forecasters are continuing to predict a severe weather system this weekend, with the government forecaster now also predicting rough weather and potential weather warnings.

On Monday WeatherWatch.co.nz first predicted the potential “weather bomb”.  A weather bomb is when the air pressure falls 24hPa in 24 hours – this is still the likely prediction. 

On Tuesday afternoon MetService issued a “moderate risk” for heavy rain across the West coast and Nelson, with a lower risk for western parts of the North Island south of Waikato.  These risks usually increase as the event moves closer.

WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan says the incoming low will be short and sharp.  “On Thursday the low will hardly exist – by Friday night it will be an offshore storm in the Tasman and by Saturday it will be starting to weaken already as it crosses New Zealand”.  Mr Duncan says conditions may rapidly ease on Sunday. 

“Saturday looks quite rough in a number of regions with the heaviest rain expected around north west areas of the South Island and the strongest winds to be in central and eastern regions”.

The low is predicted to rapidly deepen in the central Tasman Sea on Friday, peaking at night before weakening slowly over Saturday and unravelling quickly on Sunday.

“These explosive lows can be short lived – as we saw with the weather bomb that hit South Taranaki and Wanganui back in March.  It was only 6 to 12 hours of very rough weather for those closest to the centre”.

Mr Duncan expects most international flights to operate as usual this weekend but suggests there could be some delays – and those travelling on smaller regional aircraft could expect delays or cancellations on Saturday.

Domestic air travellers are advised to monitor forecasts and check their airline’s website before flying.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says a more concrete prediction will be issued on Wednesday afternoon.

“Yes this is a nasty low but it’s still only a moderately sized system – not everyone will be impacted by severe weather but this is still one that New Zealanders should closely monitor”.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz