Cold Weather For Waitangi Weekend Outdoor Adventures

Mountain Safety Council (MSC) Chief Executive Mike Daisley said Waitangi weekend was looking like a mixed bag for those heading into the outdoors.

“Depending on where you are in the country you could have single digit temperatures, torrential rain, high winds, sunny spells, snow or all of the above! Always take a waterproof jacket and a warm fleece layer, and plan carefully.”

“Checking the weather and preparing accordingly is a key element of any trip this weekend. This applies to day walks just as much as it does for overnight trips,” said Daisley.

MetService meteorologist Lisa Murray explains,

“After such a long period of warm weather (January was the warmest on record in New Zealand), we urge people not to become complacent when planning outdoor trips. This Waitangi weekend there will be cooler temperatures over the country, especially in the South Island, where the high peaks will be below zero degrees and are even expected to see some snow down to 1000 meters on Monday.”

“While most of the country sees an improving trend at the start of this weekend, as the remains of what was Tropical Cyclone Fehi clears, there is a compact low to the west of the North Island which will bring some heavy rain and strong wind to the northeast of the Island, which includes Auckland and Coromandel regions,” said Murray.

“A southwesterly wind flow over NZ brings colder temperatures before a rain band moves up from the south late Sunday with strong northwesterly winds ahead of the front and a further drop in temperatures behind it which could bring snow to the ranges,” continues Ms Murray.

“There will be areas that the weather will be more favourable and a good opportunity to get outdoors, so when planning your trip it is important to check the latest forecast before you go,” advised Murray, “On Waitangi Day any remaining showers are expected to clear in the morning leaving plenty of sunshine.”

Daisley said that Waitangi weekend was particularly high with regards to outdoor injuries and people involved in search and rescues.

“We know from our insights that we’re likely to have about 90 injuries and 7 people involved in a search and rescue this long weekend,” said Daisley.
“It’s critical that preparations are made to deal with cold weather, rain and potentially limited ability to cross rivers and streams which will be up for a few days and could be impassable.”
“It’s better to have a jacket and fleece and not need it than need it and not have it.”

Daisley makes special mention of younger children’s requirements this weekend.
“If you’ve got kids on your trip, remember that they are far less resilient to temperature changes than adults. Always take a waterproof jacket and fleece jumper for the kids regardless of the weather when you set off.”

“Kids will often need more snacks than adults while outdoors as well. M&M’s and Starbursts are a real day-walk favourite and can boost morale in an instant!” Daisley concluded.

The MSC have range of resources to get you underway quickly and safely.
“Leaving your trip intentions with somebody is really important, and it doesn’t have to be time consuming. Head to our website for details on how to do this effectively,” said Daisley.
“Remember, if nobody knows you’re out there and you need help the search won’t begin for some time, and may look in the wrong place,” said Daisley.
Daisley suggested people check out the MSC website for safety tips and resources to help plan for their journey.

“Best practice is to consider the ‘what if’s’ and come up with a backup plan if things don’t quite work out as you’d expect.”

“A small injury, poor time management or a navigation mistake can slow you down and disorient you. If you don’t have the equipment, or a plan, in place to deal with this, you could end up out overnight,” he concluded.

For detailed information and resources including free downloadable guides and videos head to www.mountainsafety.org.nz

Head to MetService.com for the latest forecast, warnings and watches for the region you’re intending on going into.

ENDS

© Scoop Media