Covering period of Monday 20th - Thursday 23rd October

• Severe Weather Warnings for northwest winds and rain to start the week
• Another, more intense, system due on Thursday
• 30°C forecast in Hastings on Thursday after a run of warmer than average temperatures

A slew of warnings and watches are in place as we start the working week, but this is a precursor for a potentially more impactful weather event on Thursday.

MetService is forecasting heavy rain and strong winds for much of the South Island and Central New Zealand on Monday and Tuesday, with morning thunderstorms and hail possible on Tuesday.

MetService Meteorologist Michael Pawley details “Northwesterly wind gusts will rise to 130 km/h in exposed places about some regions. Peak rain rates of 20 to 30 mm/h are also expected about the Southern Alps and Westland Ranges. There will be decent spillover rain east of the main divide.”

On Wednesday, the active front weakens as it moves over the upper North Island, bringing a few spots of rain. This will be a short reprieve before the main event.

On Thursday, further heavy rain and potentially damaging winds arrive as a significant front pushes on to the South Island. The upper North Island will see a burst of rain and strong winds overnight into Friday as the front crosses.

Metservice Meteorologist Michael Pawley adds “On Thursday, we will see similar areas affected as earlier in the week but there are hints that the impacts could be greater. Warnings and Watches are likely to be issued in the coming days. In the meantime, the National Emergency Management Agency has useful resources for how you can be prepared.”

This advice can be found at: www.getready.govt.nz/emergency/storms

Temperatures are also looking to rise this week with the warm juicy airmass. Hastings is expected to rise to 30°C on Thursday and Kaikoura

© Scoop Media