A sub-tropical low which is bringing heavy rain and brisk winds to the upper North Island will linger until about Thursday predicts WeatherWatch.co.nz.

The weather news authority says the slow moving low near Cape Reinga is being held up by high pressure over the South Island.

Head weather analyst Philip Duncan says the low will bring wind, rain and showers to much of the North Island over Monday and Tuesday then will fire back up again on Wednesday before easing Thursday.  “This low isn’t especially nasty but it is slow moving which increases the rainfall totals and the chances of rain warnings.  The big high to the south is also contributing to the gusty winds”.

The second burst of weather late Wednesday and early Thursday will be the last in relation to this low with the sub-tropical system dropping over the country during Thursday and clearing by Friday.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says both wind and rain warnings are possible on Wednesday/Thursday as the centre of the low passes near Auckland.

But a new system in the Southern Ocean is likely to bring a westerly surge across the country this weekend which will blow the easterly winds well out to sea over the Pacific and bring wind and/or rain to the South Island and lower North Island especially.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz