Covering period of Tuesday 02 – Saturday 07 April
After a cool and settled end to the Easter weekend, MetService is forecasting fair weather for most of the first week of April – the main exception being a band of rain moving northwards up the country midweek.
An area of high pressure covering Aotearoa New Zealand will keep things settled with a mix of sun and cloud, until a front arrives in the lower South Island on Wednesday. Northerly winds will intensify across the Fiordland Mountains from late Wednesday morning so MetService have issued a Strong Wind Watch there lasting until Wednesday evening.
This front will bring rain as it moves up the West Coast during Wednesday evening and overnight. A Heavy Rain Watch has been issued for the Westland District ranges as it progresses northwards; coastal areas are not expecting a significant amount rainfall.
The rest of the country can expect some rain as the front travels northwards on Thursday. It will be brief for most, and the front will have weakened by the time it reaches Northland on Friday morning.
MetService meteorologist Dan Corrigan says, “At this stage, weather models suggest that the White Ferns will be able to wrap up their one-day international match against England before the front reaches Hamilton. However, it’s worth keeping tabs on the forecast as the rain may be close by the end of the match.”
Following the front, another large region of high pressure will move in from the Tasman Sea. Corrigan comments, “This next high pressure system isn’t going anywhere fast, so the upcoming weekend’s outlook is looking promising for those wanting to spend time outdoors.”
Temperatures this week will be around average for April, but as usual with the weather, there is always an exception. Corrigan elaborates, “These past few days have been cool and grey in Canterbury with highs in the mid-teens. Wednesday brings some sunshine to elevate temperatures into the low twenties which will be a noticeable change.”
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.
