A Heavy Rain Watch is in force between 1am – 4pm on Tuesday for the ranges of Westland south of Otira.
MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris states: “The West Coast is where the largest accumulation of rain is forecast but through Tuesday and Wednesday almost all of New Zealand will see at least some rain, eastern areas of the North Island look to be the driest.”
For parts of northern Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne / Tairāwhiti rain is forecast on Wednesday and scattered showers on Thursday and Friday. The end of the week is looking much drier and settled compared to last few days. This will be somewhat good news given the area received around 100-200mm of rain from Friday to Sunday which was falling on already saturated ground.
As the southerly change moves up the South Island on Tuesday there is a risk of thunderstorms bringing hail during the afternoon and evening, mainly for the eastern regions south of Marlborough.
Temperatures between Timaru and Blenheim are forecast to reach the mid-twenties on Tuesday but after the southerly moves through, they’ll be more likely to peak at mid-teens on Wednesday.
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
