More heavy rain is expected to cross parts of the North Island this Saturday as a deepening Tasman Sea low crosses the country.

“Once again we’re seeing a low tapping into moisture rich, mild, sub-tropical air. It’s been these explosive sub-tropical air flows that in recent weeks brought flooding to Hokitika, Wanganui and Auckland” says head weather analyst Philip Duncan.

As with most sub-tropical set ups over New Zealand the torrential downpours are hit and miss but rain and showers look widespread on Saturday for a time across the North Island and upper South Island

Meanwhile the same rainy system over the North Island will be hit by a cold southerly on Saturday over the South Island turning rain to snow.

“We have details on our homepage about snow chances and timings in both islands and we’ve advised farmers to be aware of the potential for heavy snow inland” says Mr Duncan.

Heaviest rain this weekend will be in northern and western areas of New Zealand, mostly north of the upper South Island but it may also affect parts of Canterbury.  

Heaviest snow will be inland through the South Island on Saturday and on Sunday the eastern ranges of the North Island and Central Plateau.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz