Weather: Dry regions to experience much-needed rain

The next 72 hours of rainfall. From 7am Sunday to 7am Wednesday.
The next 72 hours of rainfall. From 7am Sunday to 7am Wednesday. Photo credit: WeatherWatch.

New Zealand is set to get subtropical-fuelled rain over the dry upper North Island regions this upcoming week.

"It's the first forecast of soaking rains in several weeks," WeatherWatch said on Sunday. 

For many farmers and crop owners, the Tuesday rainfall is expected to be a welcome Christmas present.

WeatherWatch expects farmers will be happy with the rain, but some will miss out as they vary from different areas.

"Totals are not high for everyone. This doesn't appear to be a single rain event that reverses the big dry that has formed." 

It is expected that some parts of Waikato will experience only 20 to 30mm of rain in total.

"That is very welcome rain but no way near enough to make up for the deficit," said WeatherWatch.

Parts of the Taranaki, Bay of Plenty and southern Waikato/King Country will get 50-100mm between Sunday and Wednesday morning.

"The rain this week will allow farmers, growers and those who rely on rain water to perhaps sleep a little easier at Christmas time and heading into the start of the new year."

MetService is predicting heavy rain in the region with 'moderate' confidence, meaning a 40 percent likelihood it will happen.