Covering period of Thursday 13th – Sunday 16th July – For the final weekend of the school holidays, and the Matariki long weekend, MetService is forecasting an unsettled west to southwest flow over Aotearoa New Zealand. This means cloud and showers for those in the west and south of the country, while eastern regions will have the best chance to get outside and view the Matariki cluster.
On Friday, cloud and frequent showers are forecast to affect the west and south of the South Island in an unstable southwesterly feed of air, while a cold front is expected to brush the east, bringing scattered cloud and a few showers through Canterbury and Otago. Western regions of the North Island are also expected to see cloud and showers, but further north the cloud and showers become more isolated.
The best time to view the Matariki cluster is the early morning, just before dawn. For those who plan on heading out early Friday morning, the clearest skies are forecast to be in the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, and Hawke’s Bay. Metservice Meteorologist Amy Loots says, “Further south for Wairarapa, Wellington, Nelson and Marlborough, there may be some patchy high cloud, but chances are still good for some views.”
West to southwest winds are expected to be strong at times throughout the weekend. Strong Wind Watches for Severe Gales are currently in force through to this evening (Thursday) for the Tasman Region and Hawke’s Bay south of State Highway 5. “The strong winds may persist into Friday, and these Watches may be extended or upgraded to a Warning” Loots says.
Looking further into the weekend, eastern regions remain fine, while a few showers continue to affect the west. On Sunday, showers turn to rain in the west and south of the South Island, while another burst of strong westerly winds are expected for central and southern New Zealand. People are advised to stay up to date with their local forecasts and any Severe Weather Warnings and Watches that may be issued.
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
