Boaties, bach-goers and road-trippers are being urged to keep a close eye on weather forecasts this King’s Birthday long weekend, with MetService predicting strong winds, squally thunderstorms, and a touch of winter as a fast-moving low pressure system moves across the country.
The weather kicks off today (Thursday) with thunderstorms, hail and very gusty winds across the upper North Island, as a turbulent system sweeps overhead. Northland is under a Strong Wind Watch for the afternoon and evening, with forecasters warning of rapid wind gusts and unstable conditions.
“Strong gusts are expected with these thunderstorms in this pocket of unstable air,”
— Michael Pawley, MetService Meteorologist“The most significant activity will be in the second half of the day. Our experts are keeping a close eye on it.”
A blustery start, a settled end for Kings Birthday
As the low moves east on Friday, the centre of the country will feel the brunt of strengthening southwesterlies. While many areas will enjoy a break in the rain with clearer skies, the strong winds won’t be letting up just yet.
Southern parts of the country—including Southland, Clutha, Dunedin, Stewart Island and Southern Fiordland—are under Strong Wind Watches from Friday afternoon. Hawke’s Bay and the Tararua District have also been included.
“There is a high chance that these will be upgraded to Orange Warnings,” says Pawley.
“Winds will peak on Saturday, so tie down your trampoline and drive carefully if you’re heading away for the long weekend.”
Winter’s first taste hits the South
With the official start of meteorological winter on Sunday, cooler air will make its presence felt in the lower South Island. Showers, chilly temperatures and even snow as low as 600 metres are forecast for Friday, which is welcome news for skiers and snowboarders hoping for a jump-start to the season.
But the wintry blast could create challenges for alpine travel. Drivers should prepare for potential disruptions on key South Island routes such as Milford Road, the Crown Range, and Lindis Pass.
Coastal conditions: caution for boaties
The strong southwesterlies will whip up significant swells across exposed coastlines from today right through the weekend. These conditions will be particularly pronounced along the western and lower South Island, as well as the western North Island stretching up to Northland.
Those heading out on the water—or planning a beach getaway—are advised to take caution, check the latest forecasts, and prepare for choppy conditions.
Monday brings relief
If you’re planning your weekend around outdoor adventures, Monday looks to be your best bet. Winds are forecast to ease, making it the calmest and most settled day of the long weekend—an opportunity for a final day on the water, a safe return trip, or a much-needed dose of sunshine.
