Key Takeaways
- A warm weekend is expected for Auckland and much of the North Island
- The South Island will experience wet weather, particularly on the West Coast
- A heavy rain warning has been issued for Fiordland, with up to 240mm of rain expected
- Heat alerts have been issued for Hawkes Bay and Tairawhiti/Gisborne, with daytime temperatures in the low 30s expected
- Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions are possible in the South Island due to heavy rain
Introduction to the Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for the weekend is looking quite varied across New Zealand. Moving south, the dry conditions are expected to continue, despite early cloudy conditions from Taranaki through Whanganui and down to Wellington. However, this cloud cover should clear by the afternoon, making way for a warm weekend in Auckland and much of the North Island. In contrast, the South Island is expected to bear the brunt of the wet weather, particularly on the West Coast.
Regional Weather Breakdown
A high of 21C is expected in Wellington, but cloud should return in the evening, accompanied by strong northwesterlies. The South Island, on the other hand, will experience significant rainfall, with a heavy rain warning issued for Fiordland. This warning will be in effect for 26 hours, from 11pm on Saturday to 1am on Monday, with up to 240mm of rain expected during this period. The peak rainfall rates are expected to reach up to 30mm/h on Sunday evening, which could lead to rapid rises in streams and rivers, surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions.
Temperature Expectations
Hawkes Bay and Tairawhiti/Gisborne are expected to experience daytime temperatures in the low 30s over the weekend, with the Bay of Plenty also expected to experience similar temperatures. As a result, heat alerts have been issued for these regions, and residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay safe in the heat. In contrast, the South Island will experience much cooler temperatures, with the focus on wet and windy conditions rather than heat.
Weekend Weather Outlook
On Sunday, the fine weather is expected to continue for the North Island, while the South Island will continue to experience heavy wet weather in the west and a few spots of rain elsewhere. As the weekend comes to a close, the weather is expected to change, with some isolated inland showers possible in the North Island on Monday. Meanwhile, the rain in the South Island is expected to spread north and clear in the south, making way for a drier start to the week.
Conclusion and Precautions
In conclusion, the weekend weather forecast is looking quite varied across New Zealand, with warm and dry conditions expected in the North Island and wet and windy conditions expected in the South Island. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay safe in the heat and wet weather, and to stay up to date with the latest weather forecast and warnings. With heavy rain and strong winds expected in some areas, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to mitigate them. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, residents can stay safe and enjoy the weekend, despite the varied weather conditions.
