Heavy rain warnings issued as severe weather set to hit New Zealand

Large parts of New Zealand are bracing for significant rainfall and strong winds, with MetService issuing a series of heavy rain watches and warnings for both the South and North Islands over the coming days.

According to a report by Stuff, a moist northerly weather system is expected to bring intense rainfall to western and northern regions, beginning in the South Island on Sunday before spreading into parts of the North Island on Monday. Heavy rain watches have been issued for Northland, Taranaki Maunga, and the headwaters of Otago lakes and rivers, while warnings remain in force for Westland, the Grey District, Buller, and parts of Nelson.

MetService meteorologist Ashlee Parkes said, “We’re expecting about 350-450mm from the ranges of Westland and slightly lesser amounts about the Coast.”

“And then about 300-400mm through the likes of some of the Nelson ranges,” as quoted by Stuff.

The forecaster warned that the prolonged rainfall could lead to rapidly rising rivers and streams, surface flooding, and hazardous driving conditions.

The Otago headwaters are under a 12-hour heavy rain watch from Sunday morning, with thunderstorms also possible. In Northland, a heavy rain watch will take effect from Monday morning through Tuesday midday, while Taranaki Maunga faces a high likelihood of its watch being upgraded to a warning, Stuff has quoted.

Alongside the rain, strong north to northwest winds are forecast for inland parts of the South Island. A strong wind watch has been issued for the Canterbury high country, where gusty conditions are expected on Sunday.

Despite the unsettled conditions, the eastern parts of the North Island are expected to remain relatively warm. Parkes noted, “The eastern North Island may see scattered falls during Sunday, but it’s still going to be relatively warm and fine outside of that,” Stuff has quoted.

According to Stuff, Christchurch is forecast to reach 21°C on both Sunday and Monday, while Wellington could see temperatures around 19°C. Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay are also expected to enjoy mild conditions before the rain spreads further north.

In Auckland, residents can expect a fine Saturday followed by showers on Sunday. Conditions are forecast to deteriorate on Monday, with periods of heavy rain and strong northeasterly winds expected across the city.

Authorities are advising people in affected regions to stay updated with weather forecasts, avoid flood-prone areas, and exercise caution on the roads as the severe weather system moves across the country, as reported by Stuff.