Key Takeaways:
- Wet and windy weather is expected to hit Otago and Southland in New Zealand over the weekend
- A heavy rain watch and strong wind watch have been issued for parts of both provinces
- The bad weather is expected to last for the entire weekend, with temperatures dropping overnight on Saturday and the possibility of snow at higher levels
- Residents are advised to prepare for the wild weather and take necessary precautions to secure their properties
- The weather is expected to ease later on Sunday, with improvements expected next week as high pressure moves in
Introduction to the Weather Forecast
While the south end of New Zealand appears to be avoiding much of the wild weather that has devastated the North Island, MetService says that the region will not be getting off scot-free. Meteorologist Silvia Martino has warned that wet and windy weather is headed for Otago and Southland, and is expected to hang around for the entire weekend. This is not the news that residents in the area would have wanted to hear, especially after a turbulent summer for much of the country.
Weather Warnings and Watches
The forecaster has issued a heavy rain watch and a strong wind watch for parts of both provinces. The heavy rain watch covers Dunedin, Clutha, Central Otago south of Alexandra, and Southland, and is in effect for 30 hours from 9am tomorrow to 3pm on Sunday. The strong wind watch, on the other hand, covers coastal Otago and Southland from Waikouati to Bluff, and Stewart Island, and is in effect for nine hours from 9pm tomorrow to 6am on Sunday. MetService has warned that southwest winds could approach severe gale in exposed coastal places, which could lead to significant disruptions and damage.
Expected Weather Conditions
The next few days are expected to remain unsettled as a broad area of low pressure sits east of New Zealand. This will bring gusty southwest winds, chilly temperatures, and locally heavy showers and thunderstorms. Overnight on Saturday, temperatures are expected to drop, and snow may fall at higher levels around the southern regions. The forecast is the same for Sunday, with residents advised to prepare for yet more wild weather. The weather is expected to be unpleasant, with strong winds and heavy rain making outdoor activities difficult.
Preparations and Precautions
Residents in the affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions to secure their properties and prepare for the wild weather. Martino has warned that even if the weather is not at warning level, there will still be some pretty unpleasant conditions. She has advised residents to keep an eye on any updates to the forecast and to take advantage of the relatively calm weather to clear gutters and tie down anything that could blow away. This is a good opportunity for residents to prepare for the worst and take steps to minimize the impact of the bad weather.
Outlook for the Week Ahead
While the weekend is expected to be wet and windy, the outlook for the week ahead is more positive. Next week, high pressure is expected to move in, bringing an end to the unsettled weather. This will be a welcome relief for residents who have been dealing with the turbulent summer weather. The improvement in the weather will provide an opportunity for residents to recover from the effects of the bad weather and to enjoy the outdoors once again.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the south end of New Zealand is not immune to the wild weather that has been affecting the North Island. Wet and windy weather is expected to hit Otago and Southland over the weekend, with a heavy rain watch and strong wind watch in effect. Residents are advised to prepare for the bad weather and take necessary precautions to secure their properties. While the weekend is expected to be unpleasant, the outlook for the week ahead is more positive, with high pressure moving in and bringing an end to the unsettled weather.
