Covering period of Mon 06 – Thu 09 November – MetService is forecasting a week of cool temperatures with rain and thunderstorms for some areas, but a lot of the South Island will be on the drier side.
A cold front moved on to the south of the country over the weekend and the cool air has been slowly shifting northwards. This change of airmass has also brought some rain and it looks to concentrate in parts of Tairāwhiti/Gisborne & Hawke’s Bay from Tuesday afternoon. A Heavy Rain Watch is in force between 3pm Tuesday and 7am Wednesday.
Regions around the central North Island are at risk of seeing a few afternoon thunderstorms pop up today (Monday) and on Tuesday. If a thunderstorm occurs, it will bring a burst of heavy rain and even some small hail so take care if you happen to get caught under one.
MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris says: “While each day brings the risk of some showers around the South Island, they are fleeting and isolated. Northwestern areas look to have the largest risk of showers.”
Towards the end of the working week an area of high pressure eventually arrives across New Zealand. This brings a widely settled finish to the week, but northerly winds start to pick up over the far south on Saturday ahead of the next incoming band of rain.
The return of northerly winds will bring an increase in temperature across the country through the weekend, starting down south with Alexandra forecast to reach 25°C on Saturday.
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
