Key Takeaways
- Strong winds and heavy rain caused flooding, road closures, and power outages in the South Island
- Temperatures peaked in the Deep South, with Alexandra and Oamaru reaching 27°C
- A cool front brought temperatures down, but another warm front is expected later in the week
- Multiple roads were closed due to flooding and fallen trees, including Mt Aspiring Rd and State Highway 94
- Heat warnings were in place for several areas, including Hawkes Bay and Canterbury, with temperatures reaching over 30°C
Introduction to the Weather Conditions
The South Island experienced severe weather conditions yesterday, with strong winds and heavy rain causing widespread flooding, road closures, and power outages. The MetService forecaster, Samkelo Magwala, reported that temperatures peaked in the Deep South, with Alexandra and Oamaru reaching a high of 27°C around noon. However, a cool front brought temperatures down to 21°C by mid-afternoon, providing some relief from the heat. Dunedin reached a high of 25°C, while Queenstown and Invercargill experienced cooler temperatures, with highs of 21°C and 19°C, respectively.
Temperature Fluctuations
The temperature fluctuations were significant, with Dunedin experiencing a drop in temperature after reaching its high of 25°C at 7am. The temperature then rose again to 25°C at 1pm, before fading away in the afternoon. Mr. Magwala noted that another warm front is expected to arrive later in the week, although it is not expected to be as strong as the one that passed through over the weekend. This warm front is likely to bring another round of high temperatures, although the exact timing and intensity are still uncertain.
Flooding and Road Closures
The strong winds and heavy rain caused significant flooding and road closures in the South Island. The Queenstown Lakes District Council reported localized flooding and trees down around the resort, with Mt Aspiring Rd, Greenstone Rd, and Paradise Rd being affected. Crews were busy cleaning up and clearing roads of debris, and Mt Aspiring Rd was closed earlier in the day due to a car being left abandoned in a flooded area. The road was later reopened at 3:35 pm. In Oamaru, a large tree was blown over next to a children’s playground, prompting the Waitaki District Council to close the park for the rest of the day.
Impact on Infrastructure and Transportation
The wild weather had a significant impact on infrastructure and transportation in the South Island. The Clutha District Council closed the Mt Cooee landfill due to strong winds, and flights out of Wellington Airport were cancelled due to strong winds. State Highway 94, also known as the Milford road, was closed early in the morning due to strong winds knocking over trees and powerlines. The route was later reopened around 10:30 am. There were also partial blockages due to fallen trees on SH73 in Canterbury and SH6 on the West Coast, causing delays and disruptions to traffic.
Heat Warnings and Temperature Records
In addition to the severe weather in the South Island, several areas in the North Island experienced heat warnings, with temperatures reaching over 30°C. Napier reached a high of 37.1°C, while neighboring Hastings was also forecast to hit that mark. Heat warnings were in place for many other areas, including Whangārei, Whitianga, Tauranga, Whakatāne, Rotorua, Taupō, Gisborne, and Blenheim. The high temperatures were caused by a high-pressure system that dominated the weather pattern, bringing clear skies and warm air from the north.
Conclusion and Outlook
In conclusion, the South Island experienced severe weather conditions yesterday, with strong winds and heavy rain causing flooding, road closures, and power outages. The temperature fluctuations were significant, with highs reaching over 27°C in some areas. The impact on infrastructure and transportation was significant, with road closures, flight cancellations, and disruptions to traffic. With another warm front expected to arrive later in the week, it is essential for residents and visitors to stay informed about the latest weather forecasts and warnings. By staying prepared and taking necessary precautions, everyone can stay safe and minimize the impacts of the severe weather.
