Gisborne’s sunny weather forecast to be disrupted by low pressure system

Sunny weather at Midway Beach, in Gisborne. A rain watch is in place from Thursday. Photo / Anne-Marie de Bruin

People in Gisborne should make the most of the golden weather while it lasts, with a MetService weather watch in place from Thursday.

The MetService website said that the heavy rain watch begins at noon on Thursday until 6am on Friday for Gisborne/Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay north of Napier.

Residents were warned that streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions were also possible.

“Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously,” MetService advised.

MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris said the weather will be the result of a low-pressure system moving over the upper North Island on Thursday.

“As it keeps rolling eastward into Friday, we see the winds shift to an easterly direction, which will push rain into the Gisborne region,” Ferris said.

“There is the potential for persistent, heavy rain and some areas could see accumulations reach warning criteria (around 80mm in 18 hours). Current weather models suggest around 30-50mm around Gisborne city.”

He said an upgrade to an orange weather warning was possible.

“Current models aren’t fully in agreement on distribution and accumulation of rain, but there’s a high chance of upgrading to an orange warning.”