Strong winds and showery conditions kicked-off the start of the school holidays for many New Zealanders, with a dumping of heavy snow also affecting parts of Southland and Otago. Snow flurries were reported close to sea level, including in Dunedin on Sunday, while icy conditions closed the Desert Road in the North Island.
The snowy weather has eased but very strong winds continue to affect many places today, with several MetService Strong Wind Watches and Warnings in effect for both islands. Alerts have also been issued by the Auckland Transport Operation Centre for Auckland Harbour Bridge, where the most likely time for travel disruptions will be this afternoon and the first half of this evening as winds could gust over 100km/h. Down south, the snow at lower elevations may have come to an end but heavy rain may still affect Southland, Clutha and Dunedin this afternoon where a MetService Heavy Rain Warning is in effect until 6pm.
MetService meteorologist Luis Fernandes explains, “For several days now, the country has been sandwiched between a very broad area of low pressure to the east, and a ridge of high pressure to the west that’s building over eastern Australia. This has resulted in stubborn, icy southwest winds for us.”
“There is an end in sight, as the weather systems responsible for the stormy weather will slowly shift this week, and the high pressure currently over Australia inches closer to New Zealand and this will bring a gradual easing of the wind and showers”.
Big swells have developed along west coasts under the influence of the strong winds with waves as high as 8 metres but these will also ease in coming days, while large swells will develop on the east coasts.
“The big swells drop off in the west tomorrow, but we expect swells to build along the east coasts on Wednesday and Thursday so anyone planning to be near the water on those days should keep a close eye on our marine forecasts,” Fernandes cautions.
As is often the case with clearer and calmer conditions in winter, frosty mornings are expected for many inland areas, especially on Thursday and Friday morning when the weather over Aotearoa will be the most settled of the week, as the high pressure ridge moves over. This period of respite won’t last long for some.
“By Friday afternoon and evening the next frontal system approaches from the Tasman Sea, bringing the next round of windy and rainy weather to the North Island for the weekend,” Fernandes says.
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
