As spring continues to keep Aotearoa New Zealand on its toes, this weekend's weather is bringing a mixed bag of weather tricks and treats:

• A period of rain is moving up the country today, giving way to cooler, showery, windy weather
• Sunny spells for most on Saturday offer a brief reprieve from the unsettled weather
• Rain to move onto Southland on Sunday

A band of rain has been moving up the country, already bringing a wet morning to Te Waipounamu / the South Island today, and is making its way across Te Ika-a-Māui / the North Island this afternoon.

The front responsible for this wet weather brings showery conditions, cooler temperatures and gusty southwesterlies behind it, along with a dusting of snow for hills and alphine passes in the south. Meanwhile, a Strong Wind Watch has been issued for Wairarapa and southern Hawke's Bay, until 10pm tonight, where west to northwest winds could approach severe gale in exposed places.

This showery, cooler weather will continue tomorrow. MetService meteorologist Vivien Whyte says, “In fact, blustery showers and a spot of hail are on the cards for coastal Canterbury, including Christchurch and Banks Peninsular, and the lower North Island tomorrow.,"

In a not-so-spooky turn of events, Halloween on Saturday is looking fine for most of the country. A welcoming ridge of high pressure will move onto the Te Ika-a-Māui / the North Island, casting a spell of mostly bright and settled weather. Putting the treat in trick-or-treat to start the weekend off.

With a packed lineup of weekend events ahead, from Diwali celebrations to the Auckland Marathon and sporting showdowns, Aucklanders are in luck. The city is looking at a decent weekend, southwest then northeast breezes and a bit of cloud.

Looking ahead, a new front will move onto Southland on Sunday, bringing another round of wet, showery weather. Ahead of this front, northwesterly winds are set to push temperatures up across eastern Te Waipounamu, with the likes of Christchurch expected to reach 23°C on Sunday.

Fortunately for those enjoying Marlborough's Anniversary Day long weekend, the incoming front won't be moving too fast, leaving their long weekend looking fine and bright.

For the latest forecasts and any watches or warnings, head to metservice.com.

Understanding MetService Severe Weather Warning System

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings (Localised Red Warning) - take cover now:

• This warning is a red warning for a localised area.
• When extremely severe weather is occurring or will do within the hour.
• Severe thunderstorms have the ability to have significant impacts for an area indicated in the warning.
• In the event of a Severe Thunderstorm Red Warning: Act now!

Red Warnings are about taking immediate action:

• When extremely severe weather is imminent or is occurring
• Issued when an event is expected to be among the worst that we get – it will have significant impact and it is possible that a lot of people will be affected
• In the event of a Red Warning: Act now!

Orange Warnings are about taking action:

• When severe weather is imminent or is occurring
• Typically issued 1 - 3 days in advance of potential severe weather
• In the event of an Orange Warning: Take action.

Thunderstorm Watch means thunderstorms are possible, be alert and consider action

• Show the area that thunderstorms are most likely to occur during the validity period.
• Although thunderstorms are often localised, the whole area is on watch as it is difficult to know exactly where the severe thunderstorm will occur within the mapped area.
• During a thunderstorm Watch: Stay alert and take action if necessary.

Watches are about being alert:

• When severe weather is possible, but not sufficiently imminent or certain for a warning to be issued
• Typically issued 1 - 3 days in advance of potential severe weather.
• During a Watch: Stay alert

Outlooks are about looking ahead:

• To provide advanced information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings
• Issued routinely once or twice a day
• Recommendation: Plan

Home Page | Auckland | Previous Story | Next Story

Copyright (c) Scoop Media