Covering period of Thu 05 – Mon 09 October – The start of October has been a masterclass in springtime weather with MetService reporting on hazardous winds, snow about alpine roads and frosts in the first third of the week, followed by somewhat summery, warm and calm days. However, a return to unsettled, cooler conditions is forecast for the weekend.
A Strong Wind Watch has been issued for northwesterly winds across Fiordland and Southland covering most of Friday. These northwesterly gales precede the arrival of our next weather system which is forecast to bring an unsettled period of weather across the country this weekend. The rain kicks off around Fiordland Friday morning before moving northward and reaching the North Island on Saturday.
Alexandra is the hotspot around Aotearoa today (Thursday) with a forecast maximum of 25°C but come Saturday they’ll be lucky to reach 15°C as cold air follows the rainband northward. A southwesterly wind flow sets up across the South Island on Sunday which will keep the temperature down and some showers are possible, more so around southwestern areas.
MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris warns: “The forecast for Sunday has been very changeable around the North Island so keep up with the latest information, especially if you are returning from school holidays as weather may cause some delays on the roads.”
As we make it into the new working week the southwest flow spreads across the entire country which will keep temperatures below October averages and showers should be expected for those areas open to the southwest.
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
