A Hot Week Following a Southerly Buster
What a week of weather it has been!
In the middle of last week, South Islanders were left stunned, following a dramatic southerly wind change. Come the end
of the week, stunning weather made for a spectacular summer’s day. Wind and rain has then lingered to end the weekend
for some, before mother nature throws us just a bit of heat... Well, ‘a bit of heat’ is probably underselling things. It
will be hot!
MetService are forecasting conditions conducive for a heatwave for this week – late last year kiwis all around were
moaning “where’s our summer?” Well, here it is!
MetService meteorologist Tui McInnes gives some context; “the hot weather Australia suffered has helped warm the Tasman
Sea and the air above it, helping to transport warm air our way,” McInnes explains, “which combined with settled
conditions, paves the way for some hot weather ourselves, especially for those in eastern regions!”
A heatwave is defined by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) as 5 consecutive days with maximum temperatures 5
degrees Celcius above average. “A number of towns and cities meet this definition,” says McInnes, “and most kiwis will
feel the heat, no matter where in Aotearoa they are.”
“It’s not just the days either. Overnight temperatures stay high, making for a few warm nights too,” McInnes adds.
All this heat is in stark contrast to last week’s southerly buster event, which produced bursts of rain and strong winds
causing some damage in Central Otago and Canterbury. Spectacular photos were shared across the country, meanwhile the
winds caused power outages and downed trees.
To top it all off, a number of Severe Weather Warnings and Watches are in place, reminding us all that we live in a
nation of wild weather.
“It is important with this range of weather that people stay up to date with the latest weather information,” urges
McInnes. “Whether the conditions are heavy rain, strong winds or hot temperatures, it is important to stay informed and
to plan appropriately. Kia haumaru, stay safe.”