MetService meteorologist Jessie Owen says ‘“For those planning to attend Anzac Day dawn services it’ll be a good idea to wrap up warm, we’re expecting a chilly start to the day with some places likely to see their coldest morning of the year so far.”
Early morning temperatures are expected to be in the single digits for much of the country with many places even likely to see frosts. Hamilton, Rotorua, Masterton, and Blenheim are forecast to drop to 2°C, Christchurch, Timaru, Taupō, Tokoroa, and Te Kuiti to drop to 1°C, and Taumarunui is forecast to reach 0°C.
“This is thanks to a strong southwesterly change which moved up the South Island on Sunday, reaching the central North Island this morning (Monday), bringing showers, strong winds and the colder air.”
Following the chilly start the weather for Anzac Day is looking relatively settled and temperatures should warm up into the mid-high teens, around average for this time of year. The North Island can expect a mainly fine day, with just some cloud and a light shower or two pushing into western areas in the afternoon. The next cold front will bring rain to the west and south of the South Island, but eastern areas look to remain mainly fine with rain only making it as far north as Otago by the evening.
Westerly winds are expected to pick up in the South Island, and eastern parts of the North Island, ahead of this front and Strong Wind Watches have been issued for Southland, Clutha, Canterbury High Country, Tasman, northern Wairarapa, and southern Hawke’s Bay. http://bit.ly/AllWarnings
As well as cold temperatures, the southwesterly change has also caused a heavy southwesterly swell to bring large waves to coastlines. People are advised to take extra care near the water over the next couple of days, especially for coastlines exposed to the southerly/southwesterly and also around high tide.
From mid-week high pressure over the Tasman Sea moves over Aotearoa/New Zealand which brings a few days of settled weather for the rest of the week.
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!
