Covering period of Monday 29th May – Thursday 1st June – MetService is forecasting an easing in conditions for northern areas this week, but continuing rainfall, and strong winds at times, for the West Coast.
The passage of the low currently affecting New Zealand will leave a westerly flow with embedded fronts behind it. This means generally wet conditions for the west of the South Island, with pulses of showers for the North Island.
MetService Heavy Rain Watches are currently in place for Bay of Plenty, northern Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, and Tasman, and should end overnight tonight (Monday), but heavy falls are expected to continue over Westland until Tuesday evening.
MetService meteorologist Alain Baillie explains, “Wednesday brings a short respite from the worst of conditions for Westland, but further heavy rain, accompanied by strong winds, looks set to impact most of the South Island on Thursday, with more warnings likely.”
“The front crosses the North Island on Friday, with a brief and less severe period of rain and wind,” Baillie continues, “The northwest flow over the Alps brings unseasonably warm conditions for Canterbury and Otago on Thursday, with the first day of Winter possibly bringing a 20+ maximum temperature for Christchurch.”.
Temperatures drop across Aotearoa after this for Friday, with Christchurch expecting 13 degrees on Saturday and Auckland 16.
A sneak peek at the King’s Birthday long weekend shows cool conditions, with Saturday likely bringing the best weather in most places. For those making plans or travelling over the long weekend it is important to stay up to date with our latest forecasts at MetService.com or MetService App.
For media enquiries or to arrange an interview with one of our meteorologists please call 04 4700 848 or email metcomms@metservice.com
Understanding MetService Severe Weather Warning System
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings (Localised Red Warning) – take cover now:
This warning is a red warning for a localised area.
When extremely severe weather is occurring or will do within the hour.
Severe thunderstorms have the ability to have significant impacts for an area indicated in the warning.
In the event of a Severe Thunderstorm Red Warning: Act now!
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!
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.
Thunderstorm Watch means thunderstorms are possible, be alert and consider action
Show the area that thunderstorms are most likely to occur during the validity period.
Although thunderstorms are often localised, the whole area is on watch as it is difficult to know exactly where the severe thunderstorm will occur within the mapped area.
During a thunderstorm Watch: Stay alert and take action if necessary.
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
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
