Sign in Subscribe
Weather

Wet and Windy Spell to Hit Aotearoa New Zealand

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A large weather system moving across Aotearoa New Zealand over the next two days is expected to bring a wet and windy spell, with the possibility of localized intense rain for parts of the upper North Island. The low-lying areas of the South Island could face a prolonged period of wet weather through the coming days. Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, and Bay of Plenty are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, indicating the possibility of pockets of heavy rain and localized surface flooding. Strong wind gusts of up to 100 km/h are also forecast, prompting MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane to advise people to tie down loose items.

Key Takeaways:

  • MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, and Bay of Plenty, indicating the possibility of pockets of heavy rain and localized surface flooding.
  • The weather system is pulling warm, moist air from north of the country, providing the fuel needed for the rain, with the largest accumulations expected for mountainous areas.
  • Eastern Otago and inland Southland are expected to see rain persist from tonight through to the end of Friday due to an easterly wind flow feeding moisture into the area.
  • Strong winds are forecast for parts of the North Island, and the South Island may see heavy snow in elevated areas of Otago, with Watches issued for both.
  • High-level roads and passes may see some snow settle near the summits, and Road Snowfall Warnings are in place for the Milford Road, Crown Range Road, and Lindis Pass.
  • MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane advises people to tie down loose items that could be picked up by strong wind gusts of 80 to 100 km/h.
  • The weather system is emerging from a period of significant rainfall, with the South Island experiencing one of its wettest months on record.

Statistics:

  • Up to 100 km/h strong wind gusts are forecast for parts of Aotearoa New Zealand.
  • 80 km/h wind gusts are expected to be possible in some areas.
  • Heavy snow is forecast for elevated areas of Otago, with Watches issued for both.
  • Rain is expected to persist from tonight through to the end of Friday in Eastern Otago and inland Southland.
  • The lowest-ever temperature recorded in Aotearoa New Zealand was -21.6 degrees Celsius, reported in 1995 (Ref: NIWA).
  • Aotearoa New Zealand experiences 1,180 days of sunshine per year on average.

Sources:

  • MetService
  • MIL OSI New Zealand News (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/)
  • Contify.com

Read more