Many areas across New Zealand can expect thunderstorm-like conditions over the next two days – including heavy rain and strong wind from today – while heavy snow is also expected for southern parts of the South Island.
MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, and Bay of Plenty from 8pm tonight, indicating the possibility of pockets of heavy rain within these areas.
It said localised downpours of 25 to 40mm/h were expected in Northland and Auckland, and intense bursts of rain over small areas could occur “with or without” thunderstorms, possibly resulting in localised surface flooding.
There was also a moderate risk of some “severe thunderstorms” for Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, and Gisborne from 1am until 10am on Thursday.
“With the added potential for strong wind gusts of 80 to 100 km/h or possibly stronger, it may be a good idea to tie down any loose items that could be picked up by the wind,” MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane warned.
The forecaster warned that wind gusts of this strength and heavy rain could cause structural damage, including to trees and power lines, and may make driving hazardous.
Heavy rain for parts of both islands
MetService has also issued an orange heavy rain warning for Bay of Plenty from Whakatāne eastwards, Gisborne/Tairāwhiti north of Ruatoria, along with Mount Taranaki/Taranaki Maunga into Thursday.
The forecaster said streams and rivers “may rise rapidly” under this warning, and urged drivers to be cautious of potential surface flooding and slips.
The largest accumulations of rain is expected for mountainous areas.
“The weather system is pulling warm, moist air from north of the country, providing the fuel needed for the rain we’ll be seeing,” Makgabutlane added.
Meanwhile, heavy rain watches were in place for Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty west of Whakatāne into Thursday morning.
A heavy rain watch was also in place for Northland from 1pm this afternoon until 11pm this evening.
There were also strong wind watches in place for Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, and Tairawhiti/Gisborne north of Ruatoria into Thursday.
“Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places,” MetService said.
In the South Island, an orange heavy rain warning was in place for Tasman northwest of Motueka, Richmond and Bryant ranges including the Rai Valley, and the Westland District into Thursday morning.
Meanwhile, heavy rain watches were in place for the Buller and Grey Districts; North Otago, Dunedin and Clutha; and Southland about and north of SH94 into Friday at the latest.
Snow for some South Island roads
MetService has also issued a heavy snow watch for Central Otago and the Queenstown Lakes District, and said the lower and eastern South Island could face a prolonged period of wet weather through the coming days.
These areas could expect periods of heavy snow above 800m from midday until midnight tonight.
“Rain is expected to persist from tonight through to the end of Friday due to an easterly wind flow feeding moisture into the area,” said Makgabutlane.
“In addition, the lower South Island is coming off the back of one of the wettest months they’ve had all year, so things are very sodden there. It won’t take a lot of rain for impacts to possibly be felt there.”
It has also issued road snowfall warnings for Lindis Pass (SH8), Crown Range Rd and Milford Rd until early tomorrow morning at the latest.