A significant weather system to cross the country this week
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02/11/2015. 13:15
노영례
A ridge of high pressure brought settled weather to much of the country this weekend, the main exception being parts of Southland and coastal Otago that had to endure blustery southwesterly winds and showers on Saturday. As the ridge drifts eastwards a deep trough will bring a period of rain and gales to many places mid-week, followed by a brief cold outbreak with snow to unseasonably low levels.
On Monday, the ridge of high pressure responsible for the settled weather retreats to the Far North, allowing a northwesterly flow to build over southern and central New Zealand ahead of an approaching front. Monday will be a fine day for most places, with daytime temperatures reaching the mid-twenties in some eastern areas.
As the front approaches from the south, a deepening area of low pressure moves across the Tasman Sea towards the lower South Island. "These two features combine and move up the South Island on Tuesday, bringing wind and rain to most places with heavy falls likely in the west. Rain also spreads to western parts of the North Island Tuesday evening, but the heaviest rain is expected over the North Island on Wednesday as these features continue to move northwards," said Meteorologist Peter Little.
A strong, cold southerly flow spreads over New Zealand following this weather system, with the snow level lowering to 400 metres over the lower South Island on Tuesday. "Although snowfall amounts may not reach warning criteria, people should be aware that many of the South Island's higher roads could be affected by this cold outbreak. Farmers may also wish to move or provide shelter to vulnerable stock," Little added.
On Thursday, the area of low pressure and associated front move away to the northeast of the country, allowing a ridge of high pressure to build over southern and central New Zealand. However, showers persist in many eastern areas, and snow may affect some of the higher North Island roads.
The ridge drifts over the North Island on Friday, clearing the showers,and once again northwesterlies build further south as another front approaches from the Tasman Sea ahead of next weekend.
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