MethService issued heavy rain clocks to parts of the South Island on April 1, 2025.
Photo: Screen Capture / Tiler / OpenStreetMap Contributors
Strong clocks were emitted to parts of the south island.
Westland district lanes will receive rain and possible storms from 10 pm on Wednesday.
Buller District and Tasman Northwest of Motueka is expected to rain from 3 am on Thursday, and the rainy climate will hit the Bryant Strip and the Rai Valley, as well as the Northwest Marlborough tracks from the Kaikoura interior from 11am on Thursday.
Nelson Lakes should have heavy rains from 10am Thursday.
Prince Niwa scientist Chris Brandolino said Buller and Tasman may have a rain month in 48 hours.
“Many areas probably in these regions seeing a few hundred millimeters or more than 48 hours, so yes, that will be a very robust rain for this region.”
The rain moved over the north island, he said.
Meanwhile, Methservice meteorologist MMathapelo Makgabutlane said an atmospheric river should bring heavy rains and heavy winds in the coming days, starting on the south island and moving north.
She said it was hard to predict how much rain would fall right now.
“The main message is that we expect a lot of rains coming in the coming days.”
Initially, the heavy rain was scheduled for the west and the top of the south island, including Nelson, Tasman, parts of Marlborough, towards Buller and on the west coast of the South Island, she said.
But from Thursday to Friday the rain would go to the North Island and, once again, was scheduled for the North and West regions, she said.
An atmospheric river was planned, she said.
“In the atmosphere, we have these columns of air and moisture – and what we are seeing now is this long moisture column coming down to Aotearoa and, with this moisture, really feeds the climatic systems we are seeing.
“Therefore, the real climate system we will face is a low pressure system, but this atmospheric river really just gives it an extra humidity and juice that it needs to bring the heavy rain we will see.”
Whenever there were watches or warnings in place, there was always the possibility of flooding and slipping, she said.
The flow of time around low pressure in the Tasmania will pull the moisture (and heat) of the tropics.
[Note the distinct connection the rain has to the tropics & sub-tropics].
The heavy rains will affect the South West Island of the end of WED and the north island of the end of Thursday. pic.twitter.com/8Poozk60mp
– Niwa Weather (@niwaweather) March 31, 2025
Methservice warns people in these areas to ensure that their sewers and gutters are clear to prepare for heavy rains.
People should avoid low areas and drive with caution, he advises.
Methservice says watches will probably be updated for warnings on Wednesday morning, except Nelson’s lakes.
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