Covering period of Monday 09 – Thursday 12 October – MetService is forecasting southwest winds and showers to affect parts of the country to start this week but those with a keen eye on the weather should find a decent window to enjoy the outdoors.
Southwesterly winds are the main influence on the weather for the first half of the week. Strong Wind Watches are in force for the very southern end of the country today with the Tararua District and southern Hawke’s Bay also on Watch from 9pm tonight (Monday).
The southerly aspect of the wind keeps the temperatures from climbing far from their October averages and a burst of cool air brings risk of snowfall about the Porters and Lewis Passes. Road Snowfall Warnings are in force from late afternoon on Tuesday.
This same cool air moving up the country brings the risk of a few heavy showers and maybe even a couple lightning strikes to some eastern regions on Tuesday – with the risk of thunderstorms moving northward on Wednesday.
On Friday, the winds turn around to the northwest which pumps up the temperature but is also a sign of rain to come.
MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris states: “While temperatures might be running a little cool at first this week, it still looks like a large portion of the country will be able to find a decent dry window to get out and about, just might need to keep a windbreaker handy.”
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
