MetService Severe Weather Warning: September 25th-28th.
Video / MetService
Severe weather is predicted for most of New Zealand from today and could impact the All Blacks test against the Wallabies at Eden Park.
Strong wind watches, with gusts of 100km/h possible, have been issued for much of the central part of the South Island, as well as Wellington andWairarapa.
💨Strong Wind Watches have been issued for the following areas on Friday where localised gusts of 100km/h are possible: - Canterbury High Country about and north of Mount Cook. - Grey District, and Westland District north of the Glaciers. - Wellington and Wairarapa.
State Highway 94 between Hollyford and Donne River is closed and expected to stay that way until Saturday due to snow and an increasing avalanche hazard.
UPDATE 5:05PM SH94 is now CLOSED between East Gate (Hollyford) to Donne River (Westgate) and is expected to remain closed until Sat 27 Sep. An update will be provided tomorrow, Fri 25 Sep with more information. ^EH https://t.co/txJaMkozRhpic.twitter.com/LPvEZ2uzDS
MetService also expects a freezing night ahead for the South Island, with road snowfall warnings issued for Milford Rd, the Crown Range Rd, Lindis Pass, Haast Pass, Arthurs Pass and Lewis Pass.
A line of heavy showers is also expected to hit the South Island, with a risk of thunderstorms because of fast-moving fronts passing over the country.
“During spring, fronts line up like waves in the sea. There will be blustery northwesterly winds and decent showers,” MetService meteorologist Michael Pawsley said, “especially for western parts, as each one rolls through.
“As winds strengthen, the swell will also pick up, so keep a close eye on the marine forecast if you’re looking to take the boat out.”
MetService said it will be a sunny morning, but those going to the game might need a raincoat to prepare for the line of showers that will move across Auckland in the evening, with thunderstorms and wind gusts also possible.
More rain is expected to hit the South Island on Sunday alongside warmer temperatures for Christchurch and Kaikōura, which might hit 21C, and Napier and Hastings which are predicted to hit 24C.
Plenty of wind and rain is expected across New Zealand this weekend. Photo / MetService
“Sunday looks to be a great set-up for warmer temperatures in eastern regions thanks to the Foehn effect,” Pawsley said. “This happens when rain falls on the West Coast and Southern Alps, it releases heat. The warm, dry air then descends on the Canterbury Plains.
“This Foehn wind mirrors what occurs in the Alps of Europe.”
NIWA said a combination of low and high pressure systems will continue to drive “active weather” over the next week, causing gusty winds at times.
