Covering period of Thursday 22nd – Monday 26th June – The eastern coast of both islands is partway through another dose of wet weather – MetService Orange Warnings for Heavy Rain are in place for Coromandel, Western Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti/Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay as well as Marlborough.
MetService meteorologist Andrew James says the wet weather will be widespread. “Over the next few days, the largest rainfall amounts are expected to fall on the already waterlogged areas of Tairāwhiti/Gisborne as easterlies bring rain right down the east coast, all the way from Cape Reinga to Dunedin.”
Thunderstorms are also in the mix for eastern North Island areas, which will bring localised bursts of additional intensity to the rainfall.
“This is not the news the people of the eastern North Island will want to hear, and our thoughts are with them as our teams are keeping a close eye these areas.”
“Given impacts for Tairāwhiti/Gisborne in previous events and expected amounts of rainfall, our severe weather team are continually monitoring the situation and working closely with the council and hydrologists there. That Orange Warning could possibly be upgraded to a Red Warning if concerns grow, so stay up to date with MetService warnings,” continues James.
The North Island as a whole sees an easing trend during Sunday, but sodden Tairawhiti/Gisborne still sees heavy rain through the morning, with the current Orange Heavy Rain Warning running through until noon on Sunday.
For the South Island, this weekend sees an easing trend for the South Island’s east coast as rain turns to showers during Saturday. Meanwhile, westerlies push in rain to Westland. These winds should also flush out the persistent low cloud from Central Otago valleys.
The place to be this weekend? “The southwest of both islands- Southland, Fiordland, Wellington, and Kapiti are all in line for some dry weather,” said James.
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
