Key Takeaways
- Severe thunderstorm watches have been issued for parts of both the North and South Islands on Boxing Day
- The upper North Island is facing a risk of heavy downpours, while the lower South Island is bracing for large hail
- Thunderstorms could become severe, with hail larger than 20mm in diameter, causing significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses, and vehicles
- Heavy rain watches are in place for several regions, including Wellington and the Tararua Range
- MetService is expected to provide updates on the weather conditions throughout the day
Introduction to Severe Weather Watches
MetService has issued severe thunderstorm watches for parts of both the North and South Islands on Boxing Day. A cold, unstable airmass is affecting the South Island, bringing a risk of thunderstorms to several regions, including Christchurch, Dunedin, Clutha, Canterbury Plains, Canterbury High Country, North Otago, Central Otago, and Southland. These storms could become severe, with hail larger than 20mm in diameter, which could cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses, and vehicles. The hail is expected to be particularly damaging, and residents are advised to take necessary precautions to protect their properties.
Weather Conditions in the North Island
Meanwhile, a complex weather trough is expected to move across the upper North Island, bringing a risk of severe thunderstorms with heavy rain to several regions, including Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, the western Bay of Plenty, and Rotorua. The downpours could bring between 25mm and 40mm of rain per hour, which could cause surface or flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas near streams and rivers. A separate thunderstorm watch applies to the eastern Bay of Plenty and the far north of Gisborne from 7pm to 11pm. Residents in these areas are advised to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless necessary.
Heavy Rain Watches
Heavy rain watches are also in place for several regions, including Wellington and the Tararua Range. MetService said there was a moderate chance that these could be upgraded to warnings. A further heavy rain watch covers the Bay of Plenty east of Whakatane from 7pm Friday until 6am Saturday. The heavy rain could cause significant disruptions to daily life, and residents are advised to stay tuned to the latest weather updates. MetService is expected to provide updates on the weather conditions throughout the day, and residents are advised to follow the latest forecasts and warnings.
Regional Weather Forecasts
The weather forecast for each region is as follows: for coastal Canterbury from the Banks Peninsula southwards, eastern Otago, and Southland, there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms, which may become severe this afternoon and evening with hail larger than 20mm. For Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, the western Bay of Plenty, and Rotorua, there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms with heavy rain associated with the trough this afternoon and evening. The eastern Bay of Plenty and the far north of Gisborne are also at risk of thunderstorms with heavy rain this evening and at night.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the weather conditions on Boxing Day are expected to be severe, with a risk of thunderstorms and heavy rain affecting several regions across both islands. Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid traveling unless necessary, and follow the latest weather updates. MetService will provide updates on the weather conditions throughout the day, and residents are advised to stay tuned to the latest forecasts and warnings. It is essential to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions to protect properties and loved ones from the severe weather conditions. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, residents can minimize the risks associated with the severe weather and stay safe.
