MetService meteorologist Andrew James has some detail, “The sting in the tail of this trough is a southerly making its way up the North Island during Monday. There are strong wind Watches in place for Wellington, coastal Gisborne, Whanganui, as well as for Northland, Auckland, and Coromandel Peninsula. This trough brings showers too, and some of those could be heavy with hail in Northland, Auckland, and Gisborne.”
Farther ahead, the ridge holds tight over central and northern New Zealand bringing clear and calm weather from mid-week through to the weekend. “A few fronts bring some wet weather to the far south of the South Island, but they really lose oomph as they move north, with only negligible precipitation north of about Oamaru,” continues James.
Though the weather settles down quickly on Monday, the sea takes a little longer to calm. Swell warnings remain in force for both coasts of both islands through to Tuesday evening.
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
