Weather: More rain and gales before winter chill sets in
More rain and strong winds are set to lash parts of the North Island and upper South Island today before conditions gradually ease over the weekend.
MetService meteorologist Katie Lyons told the Herald that while yesterday’s severe weather warnings and watches had now lifted, people shouldn’t expect an immediate return to settled conditions.
“That rain band that is bringing all of those watches and warnings and possible thunderstorms and downpours and squally winds, that is moving off the country this morning,” she said.
“While it is an easing trend, it doesn’t mean that we’re completely dry from then on, unfortunately.”
The worst of the severe weather is looking likely to be over by the afternoon, but rain is forecast to linger for many parts of the country.
“It doesn’t look like anything particularly heavy, but sort of those main centres, particularly Auckland and Wellington, will still have a bit of wet weather even after this front goes through.”
Canterbury also has a slight risk of a few showers, though Lyons said given the region’s recent dryness, the impact is expected to be relatively minor.
Things will continue to ease tomorrow, with showers mainly becoming localised to the East Coast of the North Island and West Coast of the South Island.
Temperatures are set to drop back to typical seasonal averages after an unusually warm spell, particularly in the North Island.
“I don’t know if people would describe what we’ve had as warm, it is winter – but for winter it’s been quite warm.”
Lyons said not to expect a cold snap but a return to the cooler temperatures expected around this time of year.
Though the South Island will remain a little warmer than average, the shift will still be obvious.
“People will notice over the weekend that it’s nowhere near as warm as it has been for the start of meteorological winter,” she said.
Lyons recommended keeping an eye on the rain radar, assessing how things are and making smart decisions in the moment.