Our weather will become increasingly unsettled over the next few days, starting today.

A small area of low pressure will bring rain and wind to the western and lower South Island today.  Heavy rain is expected and government forecaster MetService has warnings in effect for heavy rain for Westland south of Otira.

The main low is just leaving Australia this morning.  As we go through the day, it will advance rather quickly across the Tasman Sea and merge with the little low just off the Mainland’s west coast.

While this is happening, rain will continue to fall on the western and lower South Island.  In addition, the northerly flow will strengthen across the much of the country.  That will likely send temperatures into the 20’s for Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga this afternoon.

The main low is expected to come ashore on the western South Island Saturday morning.  Most of the South Island and parts of the North Island can expect to see adverse conditions from this storm.  Heavy rain and strong winds are expected for most areas.  Heavy snow is expected for the higher elevations of North Otago, Canterbury and Marlborough.  The central high country of the North Island will also likely see some snow.

The low is expected to rapidly move across the South Island on Saturday.

A cold southerly change will develop on Sunday.

By WeatherWatch.co.nz Weather Analyst Howard Joseph