Key Takeaways
- Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to hit parts of the lower North Island and upper South Island from this evening
- A low-pressure system over the Tasman Sea is moving over central New Zealand, bringing wetter weather to the middle parts of the country
- Weather watches and warnings have been issued for several regions, including Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Range, and the Rai Valley, with 90 to 110mm of rain expected and peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h on Thursday
- People are advised to clear their drains and gutters, avoid low-lying areas, and drive cautiously due to the risk of surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions
Introduction to the Weather Forecast
Thunderstorms and heavy rain are possible for parts of the lower North Island and upper South Island from this evening, according to MetService. The forecaster said a low-pressure system over the Tasman Sea would move over central parts of the country from this evening, bringing "wetter weather, especially for the middle parts of the country". This change in weather comes after a period of sweltering temperatures over the weekend into Monday, and meteorologists had signalled that a change was on the way earlier this week.
Weather Watches and Warnings
This morning, MetService issued some weather watches and warnings that would take effect from this evening into Thursday. Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Range, and the Rai Valley were all issued an orange heavy rain warning, with 90 to 110mm of rain expected and peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h on Thursday. The warning advises that "Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible". People in these areas are advised to take precautions, including clearing their drains and gutters, avoiding low-lying areas, and driving cautiously.
Affected Regions
The heavy rain warning is not limited to Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Range, and the Rai Valley. Other regions, including Nelson and Tasman Districts north of Nelson Lakes, Buller north of Granity, Wellington, and Marlborough south of the Richmond Range, and the Kaikoura Coast, have also been issued with heavy rain watches. Additionally, a severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Taranaki, with 21 hours of watch time from 2am tomorrow. These watches and warnings indicate that the weather is expected to be unsettled and potentially hazardous in these regions.
Precautions and Advice
MetService meteorologist John Law said things were still looking “unsettled” for Thursday, and urged people to check MetService’s website for more information. People in the affected regions are advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. This includes clearing drains and gutters, avoiding low-lying areas, and driving cautiously. The risk of surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions is high, and people should be aware of the potential hazards and take steps to mitigate them.
Conclusion and Further Information
In conclusion, thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to hit parts of the lower North Island and upper South Island from this evening, bringing wetter weather to the middle parts of the country. Weather watches and warnings have been issued for several regions, and people are advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. For more information, people can check MetService’s website, which will provide updates on the weather forecast and any changes to the watches and warnings. It is essential to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest weather forecast to minimize the risk of adverse effects from the bad weather.