Heavy Rain, Strong Wind Easing into the Weekend

08, November, 2018

An active cold front is making its way up the South Island today, bringing gales, heavy rain and snow.

MetService meteorologist Gerrit Keyser says;“There are numerous severe weather warnings and watches out for the South Island and lower North Island, lasting to Friday.” Among the main weather concerns today are heavy rain for the west of the South Island, spilling across the Alps, and severe gales from Canterbury to Wellington. “This rainfall event is significant and rivers in both Westland and Canterbury will rise quickly,” Keyser says. “Additionally, surface flooding is possible in the warning and watch areas, and we urge the public to keep up to date with the latest forecasts, and severe weather advice” he adds.

A cold southerly change behind the front brings a marked drop in temperature. Thursday afternoon the change is through Christchurch and will push through Wellington late on Friday. Christchurch was warm ahead of the cold front with an expected maximum of 27C for Thursday but it is set to plummet with a maximum of only 11C on Friday while snow is forecast for the High Country.

The cold front moves over the North Island from midday Friday and clears the island by Saturday afternoon. The rain over the North Island will mostly fall from late Friday to Saturday morning, followed by a few showers lingering into the afternoon.

Anyone attending the Taylor Swift concert in Auckland Friday evening are advised to keep an eye on the forecast and consider taking a poncho or raincoat.

Note: MetService is hosting an online, public meeting via webinar on Wednesday 21 November. To learn more or register, click here

Warnings are about taking action:
• When severe weather is imminent or is occurring
• 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
• Issued only when required
• Recommendation: BE READY
Outlooks are about looking ahead:
• To provide advance information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings
• Issued routinely once or twice a day
• Recommendation: PLAN

To get the most up to date information on severe weather around the country, or any other forecasts, see metservice.com or download the MetService mobile app
You can also follow our updates on MetService TV or on social media

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