Whanganui weekend weather: Stormy Valentine’s Day on the cards

MetService said residents should keep an eye out for severe weather warning updates. Photo / NZME

A rainy, stormy end to a sunny week is set to hit Whanganui in time for Valentine’s Day.

Storm systems from the north and south of the country are expected to cross over the Whanganui region between Friday and Sunday.

The exact path and severity of the storms may change as they grow nearer.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said people should take caution and stay up to date on the MetService website in case of any severe weather warning updates.

“I would encourage people ... just to keep an eye,” she said.

Showers are expected to be on and off throughout the weekend but Sunday has a higher chance of heavy rain and potential storm weather.

“Sunday could be quite interesting,” Makgabutlane said.

Rain will cover most of the weekend while temperatures have a stark decline from Friday to Sunday.

Daytime highs are expected to be 28C on Friday, 23C on Saturday and 20C on Sunday.

Overnight lows of 16C on Friday, 18C on Saturday and 13C on Sunday are forecast.

A rain system moving in from the north will start the wet weekend on Friday.

“Friday could be quite a little bit of a wet day,” Makgabutlane said.

“A warm day as well.”

Showers are expected to continue into Saturday morning and lessen during the day.

Inland areas may have a higher chance of showers.

Coastal areas have a lower chance of rain later in the day, accompanied by breezy southeasterly winds.

The winds will build as the next weather system moves in from the south heading into Sunday.

Makgabutlane said Sunday was likely to be the windiest day of the weekend and there was the potential of heavy rain and storm warnings.

Up-to-date weather warnings and more information are available on MetService.com.

Erin Smith is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.