Covering period of Thu 30 Nov – Mon 04 Dec – The working week finishes off on a relatively settled note compared to the weather that MetService is forecasting across the country this weekend.
MetService Meteorologist Lewis Ferris warns: “We need to keep our eyes on the low pressure system developing over the Tasman Sea as it’s going to direct some warm, humid air across Aotearoa this weekend but it also comes with the potential for heavy rain.”
The system over the Tasman directs a northwest flow onto the country which, combined with the warm airmass, increases the risk of high intensity rainfall, especially along the ranges of Westland from Saturday afternoon through Sunday. There will likely be some MetService Severe Weather forecasts issued tomorrow (Friday).
On Sunday, the band of rain wraps across the North Island bringing heavy bursts of rain and strengthening northwest winds, especially around the southern tip of the North Island.
Some areas will hold onto wet weather into the new working week, however, it will be drier around the south of the South Island. Air pushing in from the south during the second half of Sunday, spells a cooler start to the week for eastern areas south of Marlborough Sounds.
With tomorrow being the beginning of meteorological summer, we can expect a bumpy ride through the first week of December. The bumps will present as rain for many but the yoyoing temperatures will be more notable in Canterbury with a cool Friday followed by a warm weekend before chilly air arrives in time for the new week.
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
