Source: MetService
Covering period of Mon 30 Jan – Thu 2 Feb – MetService has issued a fresh batch of Severe Weather Warnings for regions recently affected by extreme rain. The moisture lingers through the week and even spreads across the South Island.
Heavy rain with the potential for thunderstorms and downpours returns to northern areas early on Tuesday and will continue into Wednesday.
MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris warns, “The very warm and humid airmass covering Aotearoa brings ripe conditions for persistent, heavy rain plus the risk of thunderstorms which can further intensify the rainfall.”
Localised parts of Northland (especially north of Whangārei) could see in excess of 200mm of rain fall in around 24 hours which, given the already sodden ground, could bring about flooding quickly. Parts of Auckland could see a further 100mm or more and people should be preparing for further rain related impacts from late on Tuesday into Wednesday.
Coromandel Peninsula is also in the firing line with this next event, and the Heavy Rain Watch currently in force is expected to be upgraded to a Warning later today (Monday) as forecast rain is likely to bring about further slips midweek. Wednesday through Friday could see further rain accumulate around northern regions, but current information is suggesting this rain will be less heavy and not as widespread. Please follow advice from local authorities.
Heavy rain shifts to the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty on Wednesday and parts of the South Island will also receive some moisture.
Western areas of the South Island are running a lot drier than normal (20-50% of January normal) but look to get a string of rainy days from midweek into the weekend. This may come as welcome news but there’s the potential of heavy rain in the mix too.
“Nationwide we’re in for a week of steamy temperatures which will be notably warm overnight. New Plymouth Airport only got down to 20.2°C Monday morning, making it one of its warmest January nights,” says Lewis.
“On a more positive note current information suggests the upper North Island will have some settled weather for Waitangi weekend.”
Given northern areas of Aotearoa New Zealand have already experienced record-breaking rainfall this month it is more important than ever to keep up with the latest forecasts.
For media enquiries or to arrange an interview with one of our meteorologists please call 04 4700 848 or email metcomms@metservice.com
Understanding our Severe Weather Watches and Warnings
Outlooks are about looking ahead:
To provide advanced information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings
Issued routinely once or twice a day
Recommendation: Plan
Watches are about being alert:
When severe weather is possible, but not sufficiently imminent or certain for a warning to be issued
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather.
During a Watch: Stay alert
Orange Warnings are about taking action:
When severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather
In the event of an Orange Warning: Take action
Red Warnings are about taking immediate action:
When extremely severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Issued when an event is expected to be among the worst that we get – it will have significant impact and it is possible that a lot of people will be affected
In the event of a Red Warning: Act now!
