Key Takeaways
- Several weather watches have been issued for the upper North Island and southeast of the South Island due to expected thunderstorms
- A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Christchurch, Canterbury Plains, and other areas in the South Island from 1pm to 8pm on Friday
- There is a possibility of hail larger than 20mm in the affected areas
- The upper North Island, including Northland, Auckland, and Bay of Plenty, is also under a severe thunderstorm watch from 2pm to 8pm on Friday
- Downpours in the upper North Island could bring hourly rainfall amounts of 25 to 40mm an hour
Introduction to the Weather Watches
The weather forecast for the next few days is looking stormy and wet, with several weather watches issued for various parts of the country. As people head out to take advantage of Boxing Day sales, they should be prepared for thunderstorms and heavy rain. MetService has issued severe thunderstorm watches for several regions, including the upper North Island and the southeast of the South Island. These watches are in effect from Friday afternoon to evening, and people are advised to stay informed and up to date with the latest weather forecast.
Weather Conditions in the South Island
In the South Island, a cold and unstable air mass is affecting parts of the region, leading to a moderate risk of thunderstorms. The areas most affected include coastal Canterbury, eastern Otago, and Southland. MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for these areas, which is in effect from 1pm to 8pm on Friday. There is a possibility of hail larger than 20mm in these areas, which could cause damage to crops and property. The watch areas include Christchurch, Canterbury Plains, Canterbury High Country, North Otago, Central Otago, Dunedin, Clutha, and Southland.
Weather Conditions in the Upper North Island
Meanwhile, in the upper North Island, a complex trough embedded in a moist and unstable air mass is expected to move east across the region. This has led to a severe thunderstorm watch being issued for several areas, including Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, and Rotorua. The watch is in effect from 2pm to 8pm on Friday, and there is a possibility of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Bay of Plenty and Gisborne are also under a watch from 7pm to 11pm on Friday. MetService has warned that the downpours could bring hourly rainfall amounts of 25 to 40mm an hour, which could cause flash flooding and disruptions to traffic.
Preparations and Precautions
With the severe thunderstorm watches in effect, people are advised to take necessary precautions to stay safe. This includes staying indoors during the storm, avoiding travel unless necessary, and keeping an eye on the latest weather forecast. People should also be prepared for power outages and disruptions to essential services. It is also important to stay informed about the latest weather conditions and to follow the instructions of local authorities. By taking these precautions, people can minimize the risks associated with the severe thunderstorms and stay safe.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the weather forecast for the next few days is looking stormy and wet, with several weather watches issued for various parts of the country. People should be prepared for thunderstorms and heavy rain, and take necessary precautions to stay safe. By staying informed and up to date with the latest weather forecast, people can minimize the risks associated with the severe thunderstorms and stay safe. It is also important to remember that the weather can change quickly, and people should be prepared for any eventuality. By being prepared and taking the necessary precautions, people can enjoy the Boxing Day sales and other outdoor activities while staying safe and dry.
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