A tough day on the water
If you’re looking out the window this morning and thinking twice about heading out, you’re not wrong.
A deep subtropical low is pushing in from the west, and it’s dragging a broad band of rain and strong easterlies right across the country. It’s not localised, this is a full New Zealand weather event – again!
Northland is right in the firing line. A red heavy rain warning remains in place east of Kaikohe, from Doubtless Bay down to Whangārei, with the potential for thunderstorms later in the day.
At the same time, easterly winds north of Auckland are expected to build to gale force, with gusts reaching around 120 km/h in exposed areas.
It gets worse before it gets better
Through the morning, rain spreads east and becomes more persistent. By midday, much of the country is under it.
The lower North Island looks particularly wet, with Taranaki seeing heavy falls and Manawatū picking up later in the afternoon.
Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne may start the day with a bit of brightness, but that window closes quickly as the rain band moves through.
Further south, it’s no escape. Expect gusty easterlies and steady rain pushing across the South Island as well.
A day to sit it out
There are days where you can pick your window and work around the weather. This isn’t one of them.
With strong winds, poor visibility, and unsettled seas, even short coastal runs are going to feel uncomfortable. Bar crossings and exposed stretches will be especially tricky.
If you don’t need to be out there, don’t be.
Give it a day, keep an eye on the forecasts, and let this system move through before heading back out.
