Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
A subtropical low and preceding fronts will move southwards over northern parts of the North Island from Monday, bringing easterly gales and periods of heavy rain, MetService warns.
A heavy rain watch has been issued from 10pm in Northland, and from Tuesday morning in Auckland and Great Barrier Island as well as the Coromandel Peninsula.
Periods of heavy rain are also expected north of Kaikohe during Monday morning and afternoon, especially in the east.
There is a high chance of the watch upgrading to a warning in Northland, but only a moderate chance in Auckland, Great Barrier Island, and the Coromandel Peninsula.
A strong wind watch has also been issued for Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula from Tuesday morning, all with a moderate chance of being upgraded to a warning.
MetService last week said it was likely Monday would see the first formal weather alerts of the year, and that has come to pass.
⚠ Severe Weather Watches: 19 January 2025
— MetService (@MetService) January 18, 2025
Full info: https://t.co/qHyE5zzql5
Heavy rain & easterly gales are expected to impact the upper North Island on Monday and Tuesday.
The Far North also has a risk of localised downpours and thunderstorms Monday evening. pic.twitter.com/tYItul6XAR
Rain warnings are issued when the expected rainfall will be greater than 50mm within six hours or 100mm within 24 hours. A watch is issued when forecasters expect "conditions may deteriorate to the thresholds".
Wind warnings are issued when speeds are expected to exceed 90km/h or there will be frequent gusts exceeding 110km/h.
The thresholds can be adjusted temporarily "in collaboration with regional authorities to support more effective readiness, response or recovery activities".
NIWA, which will take over MetService in a merger announced by Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins last year, said "a downhill trend for the top of the North Island" was incoming thanks to a low-pressure system.
️ Sunday's Three-cast forecast!
— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) January 18, 2025
A low-pressure system is descending from the north, bringing a downhill trend for the top of the North Island.
Expect:
️ Showers
️ Strong winds & cooler temperatures pic.twitter.com/F5BFApyJwm
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