After such a prolonged spell of hot and dry weather, it seems that we are making way for some substantial rain Thursday and Friday across a number of regions in both islands.

It’s good timing as many areas are crying out for rain with some regions, and, as long as it’s not too heavy, the parched paddocks and countryside should lap it up.

Most of New Zealand should have some rain with the bulk falling between Canterbury and Waikato.

The rain is being fueled by a sub-tropical low that’s pulling saturated air directly out of the Coral Sea – an area well known for creating tropical rain storms.  Head weather analyst Philip Duncan says the low has connections with the storm that recently flooded Queensland.  “These lows are all connected…developing from the same warm waters and hot air.  They literally grow off one another and this one has come from Queensland’s recent rain storm”.

“With air so unstable there may be localised heavy falls and thunderstorms which may cause slips and surface flooding especially in central and western areas of the North Island”. 

Mr Duncan believes this low may signal a significant change in weather patterns over the following two months bringing much needed relief to farmers.  “This is typical la nina weather”.

23 rain warnings have been issued by our government forecaster with up to 180mm in the hills around Central Plateau and Mt Taranaki.

Weather analyst RIchard Green says rainfall totals will vary and after only a burst of heavy rain for the Wanganui/Manawatu regions Tuesday (as other areas only had brief falls- if any at all), this mass of damp air seems to have considerably more moisture and should have a greater impact on much more of the country.

A high over the weekend should bring mainly clear skies and lower humidity to the country with cold southerlies over the South Island.  Another low and front are expected to bring high humidity and rain to the country again on Monday.