Thunderstorms to Hit Upper North Island and Auckland with Heavy Rain and Strong Winds During Evening Rush Hour
Thunderstorms are expected to rumble across the top of New Zealand, impacting Auckland during the evening rush hour as a large weather system packed with heavy rain and strong wind gusts bears down.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Bands of electrical storms are set to begin at the top of New Zealand from midday, moving southward throughout the afternoon.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has warned that strong winds may force the closure of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. If the bridge remains open, speed limits will likely be reduced, and lanes may be closed.
“Motorists are urged to drive to the conditions and look out for the electronic message boards which will indicate lane closures or full closures and reduced speeds, and stay within their lane while travelling across the bridge,” the NZTA advised.
Drivers of high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are encouraged to avoid the Auckland Harbour Bridge and use the western ring route instead.
Heavy Rain and Potential Flooding
Forecasters are warning residents in northern regions to be prepared for localized heavy downpours that may cause surface flooding and sudden rises in river levels.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane indicated that northern areas of Auckland are particularly at risk for thunderstorms. A heavy rain watch is in effect for the Auckland region, expected to end at 4pm.
Thunderstorms are likely to develop following the heavy rain and could be accompanied by strong wind gusts of up to 90 km/h. Some storms may have even stronger winds, according to Niwa.
Makgabutlane noted that the thunderstorms would be “localized,” with pockets of heavier rain affecting broader areas. Commuters heading over the Harbour Bridge and beyond are expected to be most affected.
“The further north, the higher the chance for some thunderstorms,” she added.
Weather System and Future Conditions
The ridge of high pressure that brought clear skies to Auckland last week has been replaced with a low-pressure system, causing the current rainy conditions. This fast-moving weather system is expected to clear most of the rain from the Auckland region overnight.
However, Makgabutlane warned that the rain would return, and residents should keep their umbrellas handy. “We are looking at bands of rain,” she said, indicating a “mixed bag” of weather for the week, with periods of settled weather interspersed with showers across the city.
Warnings for Other Regions
The Coromandel Peninsula is under a heavy rain warning expected to last until 10pm tonight, with forecasts of 70 to 100 mm of rain and possible thunderstorms this afternoon.
A heavy rain warning will also come into effect for the Bay of Plenty at midday, with MetService warning of surface flooding and slips, making for difficult driving conditions. Residents can expect 80 to 110 mm of rain inland and 50 to 80 mm along the coast, with a minimal chance of the warning being upgraded to red.
Northland is under a heavy rain watch, expected to end at 4pm. There is a moderate chance this will be upgraded to a warning, with thunderstorms likely to develop.
Additionally, a heavy rain watch will come into effect for the Tasman District at 3pm as the low-pressure system moves down the country.