Wet weather to slam Guy Fawkes Day

  • 03/11/2017
Heavy rain will sweep New Zealand in another miserable weekend.
Heavy rain will sweep New Zealand in another miserable weekend. Photo credit: Image: Getty

New Zealand faces another wet weekend indoors, with heavy rain to sweep much of the country. The storms will dampen down Guy Fawkes celebrations, and turn fireworks into fizzers.

"Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but if you've been looking out the window this morning, those grey skies are foreshadowing rain - unless you're in Canterbury," MetService says.

"A frontal system is moving up the country today, bringing wet weather for most Kiwis."

MetService warns Auckland will be slammed with heavy falls on Saturday - and other major cities won't escape unscathed.

"Looking at the three main centers on Saturday evening, either wind or rain is forecast to put a slight damper on fireworks displays," MetService says.

"Strong or gusty north to northwest winds are predicted in both Wellington and Christchurch, while a rain band lurks close to Auckland."

The forecaster has also issued a severe weather watch for eastern Bay of Plenty ranges on Saturday, warning up to 85mm of rain could fall in the period.

Bursts of heavy rain are also forecast for Mt Taranaki, the Tararua and Nelson ranges and Buller.

MetService has also issued a weather warning for Westland where heavy rain is expected to continue falling.

"Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous," it said in a statement.

Next week won't be much better, with bad conditions expected to continue.

"Looking ahead to early next week, the signals are for unsettled conditions to continue as a broad low is forecast to affect the country on Tuesday, bringing another bout of heavy rain and cooler temperatures," MetService says.

Newshub.