Key Takeaways
- New Zealand is expected to experience unsettled weather in the lead up to Christmas, with warm, moist air bringing widespread rain and gusty northwest winds.
- The NZ Transport Agency has issued road warnings for several key routes in the Wellington region, urging travelers to take extra care on the roads.
- Heavy rain watches have been issued for parts of the North Island, including the hills and ranges of Waikato and Waitomo, and the Tararua Range.
- Strong wind watches have been issued for Wairarapa, southern Hawke’s Bay, and Wellington, with northwest winds expected to reach severe gale strength in exposed areas.
- Christmas Day is expected to be mixed, with some areas experiencing rain and others enjoying sunshine and warm temperatures.
Introduction to Unsettled Weather
Kiwis have been warned of a "hairy few days" of unsettled weather in the lead up to Christmas, driven by warm, moist air bringing widespread rain and gusty northwest winds. The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has issued road warnings for several key routes in the Wellington region, including Transmission Gully, urging travelers to take extra care on the roads. As of 6am Tuesday, visibility was reduced along State Highway 1 between Linden and Paekākāriki, with motorists advised to turn on headlights, increase following distances, and be prepared for unexpected hazards.
Road Warnings and Weather Conditions
The NZ Transport Agency is urging drivers to slow down and drive to the conditions, as weather conditions are changing quickly. Drivers heading over the Remutaka Hill were also urged to show caution due to strong winds. Heavy rain and strong northwest winds were forecast to affect parts of central New Zealand as a front moved east from the Tasman Sea, crossing the South Island on Monday night before reaching the North Island. MetService said parts of the North Island could expect rain throughout Tuesday, particularly west of Taupō, before clearing by Wednesday.
Weather Watches and Warnings
Heavy rain watches were issued for the hills and ranges of Waikato and Waitomo near the coast, from Raglan southwards, from 11am Tuesday until 9am Wednesday. Periods of heavy rain are expected, with rainfall totals possibly nearing warning levels. The Tararua Range was also under a heavy rain watch, from 2am to noon Tuesday, where heavy rain could also approach warning criteria. Both areas had a moderate chance of being upgraded to a heavy rain warning. Strong wind watches were issued for Wairarapa, southern Hawke’s Bay, and Wellington, with northwest winds expected to reach severe gale strength in exposed areas.
Christmas Day Forecast
Looking ahead to Christmas Day, MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley said conditions would be mixed, depending on where you are. Most North Islanders will be able to get outside to test their new presents on Christmas Day, but people north of Waikato might need a backup plan for some inside time, as showers arriving from the north could sprinkle on their celebrations. On the West Coast of the South Island, Christmas Day was shaping up to be more of an indoor occasion, with further rain forecast and the potential for heavy falls later in the day. Winds were also expected to strengthen through the Canterbury High Country.
Regional Weather Variations
Those chasing sunshine and warmer temperatures were advised to head east, with Hastings forecast to reach 30°C and largely blue skies across Hawke’s Bay. Christchurch and Kaikōura were expected to reach around 26°C, though increasing northwest winds may bring some high cloud. MetService said its forecast team would be monitoring conditions closely throughout the Christmas holiday period, and people should continue checking for updates as the weather system moves through. The NZ Transport Agency and MetService are urging everyone to stay safe on the roads and to plan ahead for the unsettled weather.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the lead up to Christmas is expected to be marked by unsettled weather, with heavy rain and strong winds affecting parts of New Zealand. The NZ Transport Agency and MetService are urging everyone to take extra care on the roads and to stay up to date with the latest forecasts. Christmas Day is expected to be mixed, with some areas experiencing rain and others enjoying sunshine and warm temperatures. By staying informed and planning ahead, Kiwis can make the most of the holiday season and stay safe in the face of unsettled weather.
