The spring equinox falls on Wednesday this year, and MetService are forecasting this to align with a spell of gales and heavy rain.

MetService meteorologist Tom Adams explains “A classic spring weather pattern consists of high pressure over the upper North Island, and strong westerlies further south. Interspersed in those westerlies are frequent fronts that bring dynamic and changeable weather.”

The front that features this week is due to reach the far south on Tuesday night, but the preceding northwesterlies are likely to reach gale through exposed parts of the eastern South Island and lower North Island on Tuesday. Heavy rain is also expected for the West Coast.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the front progresses north over Aotearoa with winds easing as it passes over the South Island on Wednesday and the North Island on Thursday. Auckland will be spared the wind a little longer, but is still looking at a wet and windy Thursday.

As trees will be starting to sprout fresh spring growth, there is a risk of branches being blown down with possible disruptions to transport and powerlines. A brace of severe weather warnings has been issued by MetService, viewable on http://bit.ly/AllWarnings, which will be updated twice daily.

Once the front clears the country showery conditions continue in the west, but the east will fine up nicely. However, this all changes at the weekend, when the next bout of changeable spring weather rolls in.

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!