Northland weather: More rain to hit as strong gusts recorded

Incoming rain is expected to also bring warmer temperatures to Northland. Photo / NZME

More rain and warmer temperatures are expected to dominate Northland today and tomorrow.

Strong wind gusts were recorded at Ōpueteke, northeast of Dargaville, and Cape Karikari overnight, and between 10 and 20mm of rain fell for most areas.

MetService meteorologist Sylvia Martino said the strongest gusts were recorded offshore and near the coast, with Cape Karikari recording a gust of 117km/h at 6pm, and Ōpueteke reaching 131km/h at 1am.

Martino said a northeasterly system was sucking warm, moist air from the subtropics and bringing wet and muggy conditions.

“...It is already starting to come into the East Coast, and that is spreading to the rest of Northland over the course of today.”

Periods of heavy rain could hit the East Coast particularly, she said.

“Some certain spots might get very heavy rain.”

Thunderstorms were possible by Friday afternoon.

Despite average overnight temperatures yesterday evening, temperatures tonight could reach around 20C.

Martino encouraged people to keep an eye on the forecast.

Now was a good time to clear gutters and get organised, she said.

The Advocate reported yesterday that residents in storm-hit areas of the region were battening down the hatches.

Ōakura resident and Civil Defence volunteer Kylie Rogers said locals wanted to be prepared in case heavy rain fell, and were cleaning out drains and making sure animals were safe.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.