Rain just in time for school holidays

A low over the Tasman Sea is expected to deepen rapidly tomorrow and gusts in exposed places could blow from 65km/h to 100km/h. Photo / Richard Robinson

Gales and heavy rains are set to lash the North Island for the first few days of the school holidays.

A front caused by a deep low over the north Tasman Sea was expected to move over the upper North Island today before heading slowly south from Monday through to Wednesday, MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said.

Gisborne and Hawke's Bay would bear the brunt of the heavy rain, with 200 to 250mm expected in the ranges and 80 to 130mm in lower-lying areas from Monday through Wednesday.

Heavy rain was also expected in parts of Northland, Coromandel and western Bay of Plenty until Monday night, with gales likely in Auckland, Coromandel and the Kaimai Ranges until Monday morning.

Strong winds would reach further south from Monday night through Wednesday, with gales expected in parts of eastern Bay of Plenty, Taupo, Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu, Horowhenua and the Kapiti Coast.

Mr McDavitt said heavy rain and strong wind could be hazardous, and advised people to keep up to date with warnings and forecasts.

State and state-integrated school students are on holiday until July 19.

- NZPA