Covering period of Thursday 20 – Monday 24 July – MetService is forecasting a shift in winds from westerly to easterly today and tomorrow with eastern coasts of the country set to see some wet weather in the next few days. The rain will affect vulnerable regions from Northland down to Hawkes Bay which are already under Heavy Rain Watches or Warnings.
MetService meteorologist April Clark says, “A broad area of low pressure currently west of the North Island will be the major driver of the weather over the next four days, pushing a band of heavy rain and strong northeasterlies over the upper North Island (including Gisborne) today and tomorrow.”
“The first match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup at Eden Park is likely to see fans dry at kick-off but in light rain by the final whistle. The main rainband is expected to cross Auckland soon after the game finishes, with a Heavy Rain Watch in force over the area from 8pm tonight, so be prepared for hazardous driving conditions if you have a longer commute home,” Clark warned.
Orange Heavy Rain Warnings are out for Gisborne and Coromandel starting tonight or tomorrow morning, with 24-hour rainfall accumulations of 100-150mm possible. This unwelcome rain could quickly cause surface flooding, slips and hazardous driving conditions so keep up to date with advice from your local emergency providers if you live in these areas.
As the low moves east of the North Island over the weekend the focus of the strong winds and heavy rain drifts south and becomes wider, affecting eastern regions from East Cape to Bluff. While the details for Saturday’s forecast from Gisborne to Christchurch all agree on some amount of rain, Sunday’s forecast is a lot more uncertain (see image below). Exactly where and how heavy the rain will be in the east varies significantly at present, so checking the forecast over the next couple days as these details become clearer is important.
It’s not all rain and gloom, with western regions south of Taranaki looking to see a mostly dry few days, while the upper North Island will see a good clearance of the rain and an easing of the winds into the weekend. As always, for more details for your city or town head to metservice.com.
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
