MetService is forecasting a deep low to pass to the south of Aotearoa over the weekend which is pushing a westerly wind flow onto the country from Sunday. A front with strong northwest winds extends from the low and moves swiftly up the South Island reaching the North Island at dusk.

“MetService forecasters are expecting severe gales ahead of the Sunday front,” says Head of Weather Communication, Lisa Murray, “and are advising people to keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings.”

“Many New Zealanders and tourists are traveling or enjoying the outdoors this month, so it is important to get the weather message to them,” adds Murray, “especially those in the far south of South Island, the South Island High Country and eastern areas of both Islands.”

As well as many parts of the South Island, Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay south of Napier can expect a period of severe gales. Rain is mostly contained to the west coast of the South Island which is likely to receive a brief heavy burst.

This wind direction will see more smoke particles from the huge bushfires in Australia reaching our shores, although the atmospheric set up is less conducive than it was on Dec 31st when skies in parts of the country turned a yellow haze.

Following the passing of the front, a strong west to southwest wind covers the south coast of the South Island from late Sunday, with severe gales possible.

Keep up to date with the latest weather forecasts at metservice.com or download the MetService App which has all the latest Warnings. You can also follow our updates on MetService TV, at @MetService on Facebook and Twitter.

Understanding our Severe Weather Watches and Warnings

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
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
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
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!

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