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Supercomputer Weather: Cyclone Wati Heads For NZ
Report compiled by Alastair Thompson
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According to the latest forecast from the US Navy and Airforce Joint Typhoon Warning Center Cyclone Wati - which had been following in the footsteps of Cyclone Larry towards the Queensland coast - is about to
make a 300 degree turn to the left and head for New Zealand's northern tip.
While it is unlikely to pack cyclone force winds by the time it reaches New Zealand it would most probably bring
sustained damaging gale force winds and torrential rain.
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Recent Satellite Image of Cyclone Wati off the Queensland Coast
A forecast from the NOAA Global weather computer model ( see below) shows the cyclone grazing the northern tip of Northland early this coming Monday. The tightly bunched isobars indicate
gale force winds from Northland to the Waikato initially spreading as far South as Wellington during the day on Monday.
While at this range cyclone behaviour remains highly unpredictable the liklihood of New Zealand being adversely affected
by Cyclone Wati appears to be fairly high.
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NOAA SUPERCOMPUTER FORECAST SHOWING THE REMNANTS OF CYCLONE WATI HITTING NZ ON SUNDAY NIGHT/MONDAY MORNING
The first forecast in the series below is "+ 96 Hours 18hrs 26 March UTC " which corresponds to 6am Monday March 27 NZT. Each image shows 1milibar pressure gradients and forecast rain over a
six hour period in coloured lines.
6am Monday March 27 NZT
Midday 12pm Monday March 27 NZT
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6pm Monday March 27 NZT
Midnight 12am Tuesday March 28 NZT
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6am Tuesday March 28 NZT
Midday 12pm Tuesday March 28 NZT
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