Key Takeaways
- A large low-pressure system is moving across the North Island and the top of the South Island, bringing heavy rain, localised downpours, and thunderstorms.
- A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for several regions, including Northland, Great Barrier Island, and the Coromandel Peninsula.
- Orange heavy rain warnings and watches are in effect for many parts of the country, with downpours potentially reaching 120mm/h.
- MetService is warning of a "double-whammy" effect, with localised heavy rain falls and high hourly rates potentially causing surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions.
- The rain is expected to ease from the west on Friday morning.
Introduction to the Weather Forecast
MetService has issued a warning for a "thundery Thursday" as a large low-pressure system moves across the North Island and the top of the South Island. The system has been upgraded to include more areas across the entire North Island, with heavy rain, localised downpours, and thunderstorms forecast for swathes of the region. The forecaster has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for several regions, including Northland, Great Barrier Island, and the Coromandel Peninsula, with a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms and downpours bringing localised rainfall rates of 25 to 40 mm/h.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch and Heavy Rain Warnings
The severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for several regions, including Northland, Great Barrier Island, and the Coromandel Peninsula, from today into Friday. MetService is warning of a "moist unstable northwesterly flow" that is expected to bring frequent showers and possible thunderstorms to these regions. Orange heavy rain warnings and watches are also in effect for many parts of the country, including the top of the South Island, where downpours could reach a maximum of 120mm/h. The forecaster is warning of surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions, and is advising people to clear their drains and gutters to prepare for the heavy rain.
Meteorologist’s Insights
MetService meteorologist Katie Lyons told 1News that there were lightning strikes confined to the west overnight, and most of them were over water rather than land. However, she warned that the situation is expected to change as the day goes forward, with the risk of thunderstorms moving over the country. Lyons said that the forecaster is "really focused" on the "double-whammy" element of localised heavy rain falls and high hourly rates, which could cause significant disruption. She advised people to be cautious and to avoid low-lying areas, and to drive carefully in the affected regions.
Regional Breakdown of Watches and Warnings
The severe thunderstorm watch and heavy rain warnings and watches are in effect for several regions, including Northland, Great Barrier Island, and the Coromandel Peninsula. The watch is in effect for 13 hours from 11am to midnight tonight in Northland, and for 17 hours from 1pm today in Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel Peninsula. The heavy rain warning is in effect for 25 hours from 9am today in the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua, and for 19 hours from 8pm Wednesday in Marlborough. The heavy rain watch is in effect for 12 hours from 1pm today in Auckland and Waikato, and for 23 hours from 2am today in Taranaki, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taupo, and Tongariro National Park.
Preparation and Safety Measures
MetService is advising people to take necessary precautions to prepare for the heavy rain and thunderstorms. This includes clearing drains and gutters, avoiding low-lying areas, and driving cautiously. The forecaster is also warning of the risk of surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions, and is advising people to stay informed about the latest weather forecast and warnings. By taking these precautions, people can help to stay safe and minimize the disruption caused by the severe weather.
Conclusion and Outlook
The severe weather is expected to ease from the west on Friday morning, but until then, people in the affected regions should be prepared for heavy rain, localised downpours, and thunderstorms. MetService is warning of a "double-whammy" effect, with localised heavy rain falls and high hourly rates potentially causing significant disruption. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, people can help to stay safe and minimize the impact of the severe weather. It is essential to follow the latest weather forecast and warnings, and to take the necessary steps to prepare for the heavy rain and thunderstorms.
