Disruptive Weather Following a Mild Start

8th October 2018

MetService are forecasting disruptive weather, following a mild start to the week. Development of a significant system from the south is likely to see strong winds, heavy rain and possible heavy snow to some parts of New Zealand. This is set to contrast with mild conditions starting the week off.

“A belt of high pressure has persisted over the country the past few days”, says MetService Meteorologist Tui McInnes, “which has been weakening nearby weather features, keeping our conditions benign.” These mild conditions have seen the week off to a great start, perfect given we are currently in the school holidays.

However, McInnes cautions that the weather will take a turn for the worse. “A complex weather system develops from the south mid-week” McInnes explains, “and we are currently forecasting strong winds for much of the country, widespread heavy rain and the potential of heavy snow for inland South Island.”

Strong winds are expected to lash across exposed places in the South Island in the middle of the week, before spreading further north across the North Island.

Rainfall associated with the system is widespread, with the entire country set to get wet during the week. Significant rainfall accumulations are expected for the western and eastern coasts of the South Island along with the upper North Island.

Heavy snow is also a significant factor with this event, with snow forecast to low levels for inland South Island and the Central Plateau.

A number of Severe Weather Warnings and Severe Weather Watches are expected to be put in place in the coming days.

“A weather system such as this has the potential to be quite disruptive”, warns McInnes, “and with the school holidays drawing to a close, it is very important to stay up to date with the latest information. Kia haumaru, be safe!”

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
* 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
* Issued only when required
* Recommendation: BE READY

Outlooks are about looking ahead:
* To provide advance information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings
* Issued routinely once or twice a day
* Recommendation: PLAN

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