A long-range weather outlook for New Zealand forecasts a wetter and warmer next three months.
Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly Niwa) meteorologist Chris Brandolino said tropical weather patterns were expected to influence our climate in the lead-up to spring.
“[It would lead] to potentially significant rainfall and increased riskfor flooding, particularly in already-saturated areas.”
Rainfall is expected to be above normal in the north of both islands, and near normal or above normal elsewhere. Photo / Earth Sciences New Zealand
Rainfall between July and September is expected to be above normal in the north of both islands, and near normal or above normal elsewhere. The exception is the West Coast of the South Island, where drier than usual conditions are possible.
According to the organisation’s data, the country’s highest three-month rainfall level, at 720mm, will be in Hokitika.
During the same period, an average of 370mm will fall in Kaitaia, 365mm in Auckland and 270mm will fall in Masterton.
In the South Island, an average of 250mm is forecast to fall in Nelson and 165mm is forecast to fall in Christchurch.
Seasonal temperatures are forecast to be higher than average across every region in New Zealand during the next three months. Photo / Earth Sciences New Zealand
Brandolino said seasonal temperatures were forecast to be higher than average across every region during the next three months.
“We’re still trying to get infrastructure and lifelines updated and we’re still trying to deal with all the people who have been severely impacted,” he said.
Louverdis said the emergency management team was treating the upcoming heavy rain warning as the highest risk.
“If the event was on its own, it would be a different scenario. But on the back of what we have just experienced, we are taking absolutely no chances.”
