The weather may be warm across the country – but a cold snap is set to sweep across Aotearoa before the end of the week, bringing rain to much of the country.
MetService says the meteorological event is set to bring notable changes to the temperature, strong winds, and heavy rain over the next 24 hours and the weekend.
Today boasts warm weather for much of the country at the moment, with Blenheim at 28°C and Christchurch and Ashburton at 27°C.
But by Friday, a cold front will make its way up the South Island to the North Island, and will leave Christchurch and Ashburton at a nippy 12°C.
For the North Island, Masterton will drop from 25°C today to 14°C on Saturday, while Northland and Auckland will transition to cooler and fresher air, departing from what MetService calls the “tropical feel” of late.
Brief snowfalls are also possible in elevated areas of the South Island late Thursday into Friday.
“A significant feature of this weather system is the arrival of strong and blustery southerly winds, affecting the eastern South Island and lower North Island,” MetService said.
“A Strong Wind Watch has been issued for Wellington, Marlborough Sounds, and the Kaikōura Coast for Friday from 2pm to 11pm.”
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane advises: "Precautions are recommended, securing loose items and exercising caution on the roads, especially in exposed areas where gusts may approach severe gale."
Strong winds persist over the North Island during the weekend, especially in Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty.
These winds may also generate large waves in the lower North Island on Friday, extending to the eastern North Island on Saturday, with heights reaching 3 to 4 metres. Extra care is urged for those planning activities near the water during this period.
The frontal system is also set to bring rainfall for most of the country.
The wettest conditions are expected to impact the eastern North Island on the back of an already wet start to this past week.
A Heavy Rain Watch is in place for Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti/Gisborne from 1pm on Friday to 9am on Sunday.
“This is long period of wet weather, and residents are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts, as areas may be added or upgraded in the coming days,” Makgabutlane said.
The weather system is expected to move away on Sunday, bringing improved conditions to the South Island and most of the North Island.
The reprieve will be brief, however, as the next low-pressure system approaches in the new week.
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