A threat for severe weather continues across parts of New Zealand today.

For eastern Otago, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued by Government forecaster MetService.  This means that conditions are right for the development of thunderstorms with strong winds, heavy rain and hail in and close to the watch area.  WeatherWatch.co.nz forecasters agree that the potential for severe weather is there and this will need to be monitored as we go through the rest of the afternoon and into this evening.  This watch is in effect until 6:30pm.

The government forecaster has also issued Heavy Rain Warnings;

• Tararua Range and Mt Taranaki–  In effect through this evening.  Heaviest falls are expected this afternoon with rates of 15 to 20mm/hr with rainfall totals between 80mm to 120mm by 9pm this evening.
• Tongariro National Park and the Kaimanawa Mountians- In effect through tonight.  Heaviest falls are expected to be from late afternoon with rates approaching 10-15mm/hr.  Additional heavy rain is possible overnight.  Rainfall totals could be as high as 80mm by midnight.
• Ranges of eastern Bay of Plenty- In effect through Thursday.  150-200mm are possible by 9pm tomorrow night.  Peak rates of 15 to 20mm/hr are expected tomorrow morning and tomorrow afternoon.

Additionally, there is a threat for heavy rain about Waitomo, Waikato and Taupo through Thursday morning.  MetService and WeatherWatch.co.nz forecasters agree that whilst the threat indeed exists, the potential is not very high for widespread heavy rain that would approach MetService’s warning criteria.

WeatherWatch.co.nz forecasters also believe a heavy rain threat exists for Wellington, the Kapiti Coast and Wairarapa.  Again, there is just a small threat for rainfall approaching the criteria MetService has set forth for issuing a warning.  However, brief periods of locally heavy rain are expected.

Homepage image/ Rob Dickinson

By Howard Joseph, WeatherWatch.co.nz