On Boxing Day, both the North and South Islands are under a severe thunderstorm watch, raising concerns among residents as the weather takes a turbulent turn. The MetService has indicated that the upper North Island faces potential heavy rain, while the lower South Island prepares for the possibility of large hail.
The weather forecast reveals that a cold and unstable air mass is currently impacting the South Island. This instability means that cities like Christchurch, Dunedin, Clutha, and various areas in Canterbury, including the High Country, North Otago, Central Otago, and Southland, could experience thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.
These storms have the potential to intensify, with hail expected to exceed 20mm in diameter—conditions that could lead to considerable damage to agricultural crops, orchards, vineyards, glasshouses, and even vehicles. Such severe weather events can be devastating, particularly for those relying on farming for their livelihood.
Meanwhile, a complex weather system is set to sweep across the upper North Island, posing a risk of severe thunderstorms characterized by heavy rainfall from approximately 2 PM to 8 PM. Areas at risk include Northland, Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula, the western Bay of Plenty, and Rotorua. The MetService warns that these downpours could result in rainfall rates soaring between 25mm and 40mm per hour, which may lead to surface flooding or flash flooding, especially in regions adjacent to streams and rivers.
Additionally, there is a separate thunderstorm watch affecting the eastern Bay of Plenty and the far north of Gisborne from 7 PM to 11 PM, further emphasizing the chaotic weather pattern.
Heavy rain watches are also active in Wellington until 3 PM and in the Tararua Range until 5 PM today, with the likelihood of these being upgraded to more severe warnings if conditions worsen. Another heavy rain watch is in effect for the Bay of Plenty, east of Whakatane, from 7 PM on Friday until 6 AM on Saturday, indicating that localised downpours and thunderstorms could occur, potentially nearing warning levels, especially in mountainous areas.
Here's a summary of the latest warnings and watches as of 10 AM:
Severe Thunderstorm Watch:
- Areas Affected: Christchurch, Canterbury Plains, Canterbury High Country, North Otago, Central Otago, Dunedin, Clutha, Southland
- Time Frame: 1 PM - 8 PM on Friday, December 26
- Forecast Details: The unstable air mass is likely to generate thunderstorms in coastal Canterbury, eastern Otago, and Southland, with a moderate risk of severe storms producing hail larger than 20mm.
- Areas Affected: Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua
- Time Frame: 2 PM - 8 PM on Friday, December 26
Forecast Details: A moist, unstable air mass is expected to cause thunderstorms with significant rainfall amounts of 25 to 40 mm per hour.
Areas Affected: Eastern Bay of Plenty, far north of Gisborne
Time Frame: 7 PM - 11 PM on Friday, December 26
Forecast Details: Similar risks apply, with heavy rain and possible severe thunderstorms bringing significant downpours.
Heavy Rain Watches:
- Areas Affected: Bay of Plenty, east of Whakatane
- Time Frame: 7 PM on Friday, December 26 to 6 AM on Saturday, December 27
- Forecast Details: Expect periods of significant rainfall with a chance of thunderstorms, potentially reaching dangerous levels.
- Areas Affected: Taranaki Maunga
- Time Frame: 10 AM - 7 PM on Friday, December 26
Forecast Details: Heavy rain anticipated, possibly accompanied by thunderstorms.
Areas Affected: Tararua Range
Time Frame: 10 AM - 5 PM on Friday, December 26
Forecast Details: Heavy rain possible, approaching warning criteria.
Areas Affected: Wellington
Time Frame: 9 AM - 3 PM on Friday, December 26
Forecast Details: Heavy rain expected, with amounts nearing warning thresholds but easing later in the day.
The MetService plans to deliver updates on the South Island thunderstorm watch at 2 PM and for the North Island conditions by 8 PM.
As we prepare for such unpredictable and potentially damaging weather, how do you feel about the measures in place to keep us informed and safe? Are there improvements you think could be made? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments!
