Wintry weather continues

Thursday 28 July 2016

Wintry weather continues

While New Zealand experienced a mild winter throughout June and much of July, the weather has recently taken a turn. Lately, we have been experiencing cooler temperatures and more changeable weather, and this trend is set to continue during the end of this week and into the weekend.

“We currently have a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in force for many western parts of the North Island today, and also northwest Nelson and Buller in the South Island,” said MetService Meteorologist Claire Flynn. “This Watch covers the possibility of damaging wind gusts and heavy rain associated with thunderstorms. Some of these thunderstorms could become severe – at which point a Warning will be issued.”

In addition to thunderstorms, there are also Watches and Warnings in place for both heavy rain and strong winds across most of the North Island and lower South Island.

“Looking ahead over the next few days, the procession of fronts continues,” Flynn said. “These will bring periods of rain to western areas, with thunderstorms possible. It will be much drier for those living in the east, although winds will also get strong at times. People are advised to keep up to date with the detailed forecast for their region and keep an eye on the rain radar, as the weather will change quickly.”

A southwesterly flow and cooler temperatures also mean that snow is forecast for the far south. Snow is expected to fall as low as 200 metres for Southland and southern parts of Otago early on Friday morning, though conditions ease as the day goes on. Further snow is expected into the weekend and could fall to near sea level in the far south.

Official Severe Weather Watches and Warnings are reviewed and re-issued by MetService at least every twelve hours, and more often if necessary. To get the most up to date information on severe weather around the country, or any other forecasts, see metservice.com or on mobile devices at m.metservice.com. You can also follow our updates on MetService TV, at MetService New Zealand on Facebook, @metservice and @MetServiceWARN on Twitter and at blog.metservice.com

MetService issues Warnings, Watches and Outlooks for severe weather over New Zealand.
Warnings are about taking action when severe weather is imminent or is occurring. They are issued only when required.
Recommendation: ACT

Watches are about being alert when severe weather is possible, but not sufficiently imminent or certain for a Warning to be issued. They are issued only when required.
Recommendation: BE READY

Outlooks are about looking ahead, providing advance information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings. They are issued routinely once or twice a day.
Recommendation: PLAN

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