MetService Meteorologist Jessie Owen says, “A slow-moving front is bringing periods of heavy rain to Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula on Monday and Tuesday. Due to the slow nature of this weather feature there is a risk it could become stationary over a particular area for some time leading to higher rainfall accumulations for localised areas. Heavy Rain Watches have been issued for these regions and people are advised to keep up to date at www.metservice.com”
On Tuesday afternoon and evening there is a risk of thunderstorms developing about western parts of Auckland and Northland. If these thunderstorms arise they are likely to bring impactful downpours to these areas. It is important for people to check back in with the severe weather warnings at http://bit.ly/AllWarnings as further Heavy Rain Watches may be issued to cover this period.
The sub-tropical air is also having an effect on temperatures this week. Many places in the North Island as well as eastern parts of the South Island are forecast to crack 20°C, with the warmest day of the week looking to be Wednesday. Overnight lows are also expected to be significantly warmer, with no sign of the frosts from last week.
The next weather system to affect the country is a trough from the Tasman Sea. This will bring a period of rain to western parts of both islands on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Heavy Rain Watches have been issued for Mt Taranaki, western Tasman, and the West Coast Region. Eastern areas will be spared from much of this rain and can expect fine and warm weather for most of the week. Finally, to round out the week another high pressure system is forecast to bring settled weather to the country by Friday.
For a sneak peak at what else is expected this September check out the latest MetService long-range forecast at http://bit.ly/MonthlyOutlook to see when southwesterlies are expected to return this month.
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
