Covering period of Tuesday 2 – Sunday 7 January – The gentle start to 2024 for Aotearoa New Zealand looks to continue as MetService forecasts a series of typical summer days to open the new year. This will be briefly interrupted by a frontal system that brings rain to parts of the country towards the end of the week.
The weather on Tuesday and Wednesday echoes that of the first day of the year: warm temperatures, a healthy mix of cloud and sunshine and afternoon showers for some.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says: “There’s plenty of good weather for those wanting to enjoy outdoor activities these holidays. There will also be one or two showers in the mix for some spots, so it’s always good to check the latest forecasts when making plans for the day.”
On Thursday, the South Island experiences the first wet weather frontal system of the year, bringing rain to Fiordland, southern Westland, Southland and Clutha. Fiordland may see some Heavy Rain, leading to the issuance of a MetService Watch.
Makgabutlane advises, “Being summer, there will be a lot of tramping activity down there. Be sure to keep up with the latest Severe Weather information on the MetService website as heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly.”
The front progresses up the country through Friday and Saturday, introducing bouts of wet weather. By Sunday the front is expected to have moved away to the east, marking a return to brighter and more settled weather to round off the 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.
