Covering period of Tuesday 26 – Friday 29 December – As the curtain draws on the year, MetService is forecasting a week of dynamic weather, with a mix of wet and warm conditions, and thunderstorms thrown in there as well. Despite that, most spots across the country can also look forward to periods of settled weather with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the summer sun.
Thunderstorms are the theme of the day today (Tuesday), making their presence felt across the northern and eastern North Island, as well as the eastern and inland parts of the South Island. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Northland for this afternoon, while areas like eastern Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti/Gisborne, and Hawke’s Bay north of Napier carry the risk until the end of the day.
Mmathapelo Makgabutlane, MetService meteorologist, advises, “Severe thunderstorms bring a risk of very intense downpours and the possibility of surface flooding. While festivities are underway, it’s prudent to stay updated on the latest forecasts at www.metservice.com, as a Red Thunderstorm Warning will be issued for any storms that become severe.”
Tuesday also marks a shift to cooler, fresher air in the eastern South Island extending to the lower North Island on Wednesday, temporarily lowering temperatures in those regions. This brief cooldown, following warm and humid days, precedes a return to warmer conditions on Friday, potentially reaching 30°C in Canterbury.
As warmth dominates the east, Friday brings a wetter narrative elsewhere, courtesy of one of the last active weather system of the year. Western parts of the North and South Island are in for rain or showers, accompanied by strong winds in the South Island and lower North Island. The front sweeps through, providing intervals of settled weather on Saturday and the first part of Sunday. However, staying true to 2023 form, another frontal system arrives on Sunday for a final hurrah.
Makgabutlane encourages everyone to “take full advantage of the good weather when it’s there” during this changeable week.
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
