Weather deja-vu- 21st May 2018
21st May 2018
It’s a case of more of the same weather this week as last. While the west coast is in the running for another wet week,
out in the east it will be the winds to keep a close eye on. Across the country however, MetService is forecasting
temperatures continuing to fall compared to the warm start to the month.
High pressure sitting over our Australian neighbours keeps New Zealand in a southwesterly feed of air through the week
and embedded in that will be some more active bands of rain sweeping northwards across the country.
“This week it’s a succession of weather features moving across us,” MetService Meteorologist John Law commented. “While
there will be some breaks between them, it is looking like an unsettled week of weather.”
The heaviest rainfall will likely be on the West Coast of the South Island but many other areas are at risk of heavy
falls due to thunderstorms bringing the potential for heavy rain, strong gusts and even hail. Although it will be drier
in the east, there will still be some strong gusty winds to watch out for.
“Cooler air spreading up from the south will mean our daytime temperatures will be lower than we saw at the start of the
month,” Law said, “For example, maximum temperatures in Auckland will be back around 16C by the end of the week – that’s
not far off average for the time of year but cooler than we’ve seen so far this year.”
The combination of cold air and wet weather will also bring the risk of snowfall to the Southern Alps and some of the
higher passes of the South Island over the coming week.
“The return of wintery weather will be something to consider when planning your journeys,” Law said, ”While the snow is
likely to be mainly up in the hills, temperatures widely dropping down below freezing for places like Otago and
Canterbury this week will make for some cold and frosty starts.”
Keep up to date with the latest forecasts and any watches/warnings at metservice.com or on mobile devices at
m.metservice.com. You can also follow our updates on MetService TV, at MetServiceNew Zealand on Facebook, @metservice
and @MetServiceWARN on Twitter and at blog.metservice.com
Official Severe Weather Watches and Warnings are reviewed and re-issued by MetService at least every twelve hours, and
more often if necessary. To get the most up to date information on severe weather around the country, or any other
forecasts, see metservice.com or on mobile devices at m.metservice.com. You can also follow our updates on MetService
TV, at MetService New Zealand on Facebook, @metservice and @MetServiceWARN on Twitter and at blog.metservice.com
MetService issues Warnings, Watches and Outlooks for severe weather over New Zealand.
Warnings are about taking action when severe weather is imminent or is occurring. They are issued only when required.
Recommendation: ACT
Watches are about being alert when severe weather is possible, but not sufficiently imminent or certain for a Warning to be
issued. They are issued only when required.
Recommendation: BE READY
Outlooks are about looking ahead, providing advance information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings. They are issued
routinely once or twice a day.
Recommendation: PLAN
ends