Covering period of Monday 31 July- Thursday 3 August – It has been a relatively fine and settled weekend for much of Aotearoa New Zealand, but that’s about to change as MetService forecasts a series of fronts spread up the country in the coming days.
MetService Meteorologist David Miller says, ‘The first front is set to barrel onto western parts of the South Island this afternoon and evening (Monday), with northwest winds strengthening ahead of the front. Heavy Rain Watches have been issued for Fiordland, the ranges of Westland and the Otago Headwaters.
Additionally, the lower North Island and top of the South Island are under a Strong Wind Warning, while much of the rest of the South Island is under a Strong Wind Watch. ‘The far south of the South Island in particular may see very strong winds later Tuesday into Wednesday morning, and this Strong Wind Watch may be upgraded into a Strong Wind Warning in these areas,’ Miller warns.
As well as the wind and the rain, snow is expected to low levels Tuesday night into Wednesday morning for the lower parts of the South Island. Snow could be seen down to about 200 to 300 metres in Southland, Clutha, Fiordland and inland parts of Otago, and a Heavy Snow Watch has been issued for these areas. People travelling along alpine roads in the coming days are advised to keep an eye out for active Road Snow Warnings.
The remainder of the North Island is likely to feel the effects from these fronts as they traverse the country from Wednesday. Eastern parts of the North Island, as well as Auckland and Northland, will experience strong to gale westerly winds, and Strong Wind Watches or Warnings may be issued for these areas as these systems approach the North Island.
It’s not all bad news though, as a ridge of high pressure is forecast to push onto the country from the west from Thursday, heralding a more settled end to the week.
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
