Key Takeaways
- A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of the North Island, including inland Bay of Plenty, eastern Taupō, inland Gisborne, and the Wairoa District.
- Thunderstorms are expected to bring localized downpours with rainfall rates of 25mm to 40mm per hour, causing surface and flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas.
- Driving conditions will be hazardous due to surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.
- A heavy rain watch has been issued for Fiordland and southern Westland, with further watches and warnings likely to be issued for the South Island and lower North Island.
- Very warm conditions are expected in eastern parts of the country, with temperatures rising into the 30s from Friday through the weekend.
Introduction to the Weather Warning
MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of the North Island, effective from this afternoon. The watch affects inland Bay of Plenty, eastern Taupō, inland Gisborne, and the Wairoa District, with thunderstorms expected to form from 1pm until 9pm today. It is essential to note that a watch differs from a warning, as it indicates the potential for a thunderstorm to form, rather than a warning which indicates that a thunderstorm has already formed.
Expected Weather Conditions
The thunderstorms are expected to bring localized downpours with rainfall rates of 25mm to 40mm per hour, which can cause surface and flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas such as streams, rivers, or narrow valleys. Additionally, the heavy rain may lead to slips, making driving conditions hazardous due to surface flooding and poor visibility. MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane stated that it had been a relatively settled start to the week, but conditions would change today as they became favorable for intense downpours and hail in both islands.
Update on the Weather System
In an update shortly after 1pm, Makgabutlane mentioned that on Thursday, rain would move onto the far southwest of the South Island, and a heavy rain watch had been issued for Fiordland and southern Westland. The evening may see periods of more intense rain as thunderstorms move through the area. Further watches and warnings are likely to be issued as a couple of weather systems bring heavy rain and strong winds to the South Island and lower North Island. This indicates that the weather conditions are expected to worsen, and residents should be prepared for the potential consequences.
Temperature Forecast
Meanwhile, very warm conditions are expected to affect eastern parts of the country in the coming days, with temperatures rising into the 30s from Friday through the weekend. MetService said heat alerts were likely to be issued for parts of Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, and possibly coastal Canterbury. This is a significant change from the current weather conditions, and residents should be prepared for the heatwave. Makgabutlane also mentioned that the weekend looks quite unsettled for the lower South Island, with heavy rain expected on the west coast and blustery winds elsewhere.
Previous Weather Conditions
Earlier this week, MetService forecasted a great deal of sunshine and dry weather, albeit with the odd afternoon shower. Yesterday, sun "halos" were seen in the skies around the North Island, delighting residents in Tauranga and Whitianga. This was a pleasant change from the previous weather conditions, but it seems that the weather is now taking a turn for the worse. Residents should be prepared for the potential consequences of the severe thunderstorms and heavy rain, and stay up to date with the latest weather forecasts and warnings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the severe thunderstorm watch issued for parts of the North Island is a significant warning that residents should take seriously. The potential for localized downpours, surface and flash flooding, and hazardous driving conditions is high, and residents should be prepared for the consequences. The very warm conditions expected in eastern parts of the country from Friday through the weekend are also a concern, and residents should take necessary precautions to stay safe. By staying informed and up to date with the latest weather forecasts and warnings, residents can minimize the risks associated with the severe weather conditions.