Covering period of Thursday 29 June – Monday 3 July – Aotearoa New Zealand is in for a few days of windy, showery weather according to MetService. A strong and unstable south-westerly flow will affect the entire country until early next week.
MetService meteorologist Alain Baillie says, “This will mean snow to very low levels in the far south, with heavy snow possible in elevated areas, including the resorts near Queenstown, with the town itself also likely to get snow.”
Snow could also fall to 200 metres around Dunedin, and 300 metres over Banks Peninsula from Saturday night, which will affect many roads.
Those travelling about the South Island, particularly if you’re traveling through passes, should check the MetService website for Road Snow Warnings and with Waka Kotahi NZTA regarding road closures before heading out.
“Severe gale winds are possible for the entire North Island, particularly the east coast south of Napier, as well as parts of Nelson and Marlborough and the southern and eastern coasts of the South Island from Saturday until Monday.”
“Meanwhile, heavy rain could impact from the Central Plateau south to the Tararua Range and the Buller region of the South Island from Saturday,” Baillie continues.
The forecast temperatures across the weekend are about average for this time of year, but this could be deceptive.
“The strong wind and frequent showers will mean the 15 degrees forecast for Auckland will feel more like 8 or 9 degrees. Dunedin and Invercargill are forecast to reach only 6 degrees on Sunday, but it will feel literally freezing for most of the time, so layer up if venturing outside.”, Baillie cautions.
The weather will slowly ease through Monday and Tuesday as a welcome high pressure system inches its way across the Tasman Sea.
Please keep up to date with the most current information from MetService at metservice.com/
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
