Covering period of Monday 5 – Friday 9 February – MetService is forecasting fine and dry weather for New Zealand for most of the week due to a large area of high pressure sitting over the North Island. However, across the South Island, stronger winds and high temperatures will be a key feature of this week’s weather with temperatures in the east forecast to reach highs of 34°C through parts of Canterbury.
With New Zealand set to mark Waitangi Day tomorrow many of us will be keeping a close eye on the weather, especially in Northland at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. “High pressure will mean that for much of Aotearoa New Zealand, Waitangi Day will be a dry one with fine weather on the cards for those on the North Island,” says MetService meteorologist John Law.
For those on the South Island there is still plenty of dry, fine, and hot weather in store for the east but there will be some stronger winds as well, especially for the inland parts of Canterbury, Otago and Southland.
“The combination of dry conditions, high temperatures and strong winds through parts of Canterbury add to the fire risk for the region”, advises Law, “it’s important to keep up with the information from the team at Fire & Emergency NZ and consult their website checkitsalright.co.nz”.
One spot that does see rain over the coming days is the far southern parts of Aotearoa New Zealand. Northwesterly winds are expected to push rain into the region from the Tasman Sea.
“Fronts moving up the country are set to bring rain into Fiordland and Southland for Waitangi Day,” says Law. “The high pressure over the North Island is set to slow the movement of the rain up the South Island,” he added.
Severe Weather Warnings for heavy rain have been issued for Fiordland and a strong wind watch covers Fiordland and Southland, where winds could reach severe gale in the most exposed places.
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.
