A series of fronts embedded in a moist northwesterly flow are expected to affect the country through to late Thursday, bringing periods of heavy rain to the western areas of the South Island and the upper North Island. Heavy rain warnings and watches are in force for these areas.
Additionally, strong west to northwest winds are expected ahead of the front that moves north over the country later today (Wednesday) and Thursday. Strong wind watches are in force for parts of central and southern New Zealand.
People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made or more areas are added.
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Impact: Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
Area: Ranges of Bay Of Plenty east of Opotiki
Period: 15hrs from 7am – 10pm Thu, 19 May
Forecast: Expect 70 to 110mm to accumulate. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h.
Area: Westland about and south of Otira
Period: 16hrs from 11pm Wed, 18 May – 3pm Thu, 19 May
Forecast: Expect 70 to 100mm to accumulate about the ranges and lesser amounts near the coast. Peak rates of 15 to 25m/h, especially in thunderstorms.
Area: Fiordland
Period: 13hrs from 5pm Wed, 18 May – 6am Thu, 19 May
Forecast: Expect 70 to 90mm to accumulate. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h, especially in thunderstorms.
Heavy Rain Watch
Area: Northland
Period: 34hrs from 9am Wed, 18 May – 7pm Thu, 19 May
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rain amounts may approach warning criteria for short durations during this time for example 70mm in 12 hours. Note, rain is expected to ease for a time overnight tonight (Wednesday) and during Thursday morning.
Area: Buller, Westland north of Otira
Period: 14hrs from 5am – 7pm Thu, 19 May
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about the ranges.
Area: Headwaters of Canterbury lakes and rivers
Period: 9hrs from 4am – 1pm Thu, 19 May
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain with thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.
Area: Headwaters of Otago lakes and rivers
Period: 12hrs from 10pm Wed, 18 May – 10am Thu, 19 May
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain with thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.
Strong Wind Watch
Area: Canterbury High Country
Period: 14hrs from 11pm Wed, 18 May – 1pm Thu, 19 May
Forecast: Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
Area: Central Otago, Southern Lakes, Clutha, Southland, Stewart Island
Period: 10hrs from 9pm Wed, 18 May – 7am Thu, 19 May
Forecast: West to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
Area: Wairarapa, Wellington and Marlborough Sounds
Period: 7hrs from 9am – 4pm Thu, 19 May
Forecast: Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
Area: Marlborough excluding the Sounds
Period: 9hrs from 5am – 2pm Thu, 19 May
Forecast: Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
Issued: 9:19am Wed, 18 May
Next update: 9pm Wed, 18 May