This Week's Weather Forecasting 14th - 18th May 2012

[JennyLeez]

From the Met service:

Monday
North Island, rain in most places, with heavy falls likely for the northern half. South Island, rain in the west, heavy at times,rain spreading to most places in the east. Becoming colder with snow developing about the ranges.
Tuesday
North Island, rain easing to showers, but becoming fine in Gisborne. South Island, cold with rain or showers for most, snow down to 400 metres in the south.

From Weather Watch:
The impending system coming out of the Tasman Sea next week will no doubt bring alot of wet windy weather to many places, warmer overall for Monday and Tuesday then becoming cold from Wednesday as the flow changes to the south.
The West Coast of the South Island will get a little ignored as the cold weather hits due to most of us living in other areas around the country, however the West Coast is the place to be for the 2nd half of next week. As the system changes to the south many of us will be feeling the cold but the west is set up at this stage to receive magical clear sunny skies from Wednesday.
Expect pleasant afternoon temperatures there on Wednesday and Thursday with light winds, it will be quite cool morning and night however with a chance of frosts in sheltered areas.
So if you have some time off in the later half of next week you know where to go. Take a visit to Shantytown, go gold panning then take a ride on their train.
There are some other majestic sites to behold. Fox Glacier should be in fine form or take a drive up to Lake Kaniere. Pull out a camping chair on the shore line with a mug of tea in one hand and a gingernut in the other then take it all in, paradise.

From Weatherzone for Tuesday:

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[JennyLeez]

More unsettled weather is on the way for New Zealand today.

Wind and rain will dominate the weather across the North Island today.  Heavy rain, thunderstorms and hail are all possible today.  The wind and rain should stay below severe limits on a widespread basis.  However, localised bursts of very heavy rain and severe gale force winds are possible across the entire North Island except Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa and Wellington.

For the South Island, some thunderstorms are possible this morning about the north-western and the north-eastern coastal sections.

Snow is also a concern for early today.  The cold south-west flow will send snow levels down below 800 metres in some areas.  Government forecaster MetService has posted Road Snow Warnings effective until 9 am for Lewis Pass, Porters Pass, Milford Road, Lindis Pass and Arthurs Pass.

Otherwise, the South Island can expected bluster and cold conditions today with periods of light rain.

Weather Watch

[JennyLeez]

The persistent south-westerly flow will keep things very wintry over the deep south tonight and tomorrow.  Snow flurries are expected as low as 400 metres and gales are expected about the coastal regions.

Government forecaster MetService is advising that wintry showers are expected for much of Friday for Fiordland, Southland, Clutha and Dunedin with snow settling above 500 metres.  They also advise that extensive frosts are likely about inland areas.

If you have travel plans in these areas, be aware of the potential for icy roads.  Even down to 400 metres where snow is not expected to settle, visibility could still be a problem with the flurries that are expected.  However, at this time there are no Road Warnings in effect.

Wind chill is also a concern.  The cold air combined with the wind will mean the need to make sure you are dressed warmly.

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