Latest news with #JohnLaw
Otago Daily Times
02-06-2025
- Climate
- Otago Daily Times
Cool change: snow and rain for South Island
MetService meteorologist John Law told RNZ's Morning Report programme today conditions this week would kick off the winter to come. "The combination of that cold air pushing up the country and that moisture will mean the return of some wintry weather over the tops of the Canterbury high country. "So those are the regions first off that will find that snow weather. "But by the time we head towards Friday and the weekend, I think all of us will find our temperatures are well and truly colder than it has been." A period of snow was likely for the Canterbury High Country late on Wednesday and it could fall above about 800 metres in the South Canterbury High Country. Law said the weather in coming weeks would be a "pretty good taste" of winter and the region could see snow fall down to 300 metres. In Southland, snow showers were forecast about the Homer Tunnel on the Milford Road (State Highway 94) overnight tomorrow into Thursday and possibly Friday, with snow above 400 metres that day. Meanwhile, a heavy rain watch was in place for Fiordland, north of Breaksea Sound, from 7pm today until 11am tomorrow. Heavy rain watches were also in place for Motueka, Marlborough and Nelson in the Tasman region, all with a high chance of being upgraded to a warning. MetService said surface flooding and slips were possible. - ODT Online and RNZ
RNZ News
02-06-2025
- Climate
- RNZ News
Rain, wind and snow to hit parts of the country as temperatures fall
Canterbury high country is set to be hit with a snowfall. Photo: UnSplash/ Aaron Burden MetService is predicting some wintry weather moving into the first week of June, with temperatures set to fall across the country. Meteorologist John Law told Morning Report the weather this week would kick off the winter to come. "The combination of that cold air pushing up the country and that moisture will mean the return of some wintry weather over the tops of the Canterbury high country. "So those are the regions first off that will find that snow weather. "But by the time we head towards Friday and the weekend, I think all of us will find our temperatures are well and truly colder than it has been," he said. Law said the weather in the coming weeks would be a "pretty good taste" of our coming winter. He added the Canterbury region could see snow fall down to 300 metres. Wind watches are already in place for parts of the Tasman. Photo: Supplied/MetService He said rain watches were currently in place for parts of the Tasman, with more watches for the Bay of Plenty region likely. "On Wednesday another weather front moves in from the North... that brings with it some wet and windy weather." Heavy rain watches are in place for Motueka, Marlborough and Nelson in the Tasman region, all with a high chance of being upgraded to a warning. MetService said surface flooding and slips were possible. A heavy rain watch is also in place for Fiordland and Taranaki Maunga. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
06-05-2025
- Climate
- RNZ News
Weather: South Island in firing line for more rain
The warnings and watches in place this morning. Photo: MetService screenshot Another bout of severe weather for the South Island won't affect the same areas that were battered by last week's record rainfall, MetService says. Just a week after severe weather caused flooding in Canterbury and downed trees and powerlines in Wellington, another band of heavy rain and strong winds is expected to hit the South Island from Wednesday night, prompting MetService to issue new weather warnings and watches. A band of heavy rain is moving toward the South Island, prompting MetService's decision. These include an orange heavy rain warning for the ranges of Westland District with up to 250 millimetres of rain possible, starting around midnight and lasting until 3am on Friday. There's a similar warning in place for Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound, from 10pm today with up to 180mm forecast. Strong wind watches have been issued for the Canterbury High Country, Queenstown Lakes District, Central Otago, Clutha west of Tapanui and Fiordland, Southland and Stewart Island. MetService meteorologist John Law MetService meteorologist John Law said there would be strong norwesters ahead of the rain. The areas in Cantebury which were hard hit during last week's storm would not be affected this time around. "So it's a slightly different direction, slightly different area to the weather we saw last week, but the impacts are still going to be pretty impressive, particularly places on the western coast where we're going to find some heavy rainfall." Exposed areas in Fiordland, Westland and Canterbury would bear the brunt of the strong winds, perhaps reaching gale force. It would also be windy in Wellington and while the ocean swells would not be as heavy as last week, ferry sailings on Thursday and Friday might be disrupted, Law said. Thunderstorms might be in the mix in the North Island too. Temperatures would be warmer than usual too, however, by the weekend it would be cooler again around most of the country. "So up and down this week." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
1News
01-05-2025
- Climate
- 1News
Wellington wind warning at 'red' level, caution urged
Wellingtonians have been urged to prepare as MetService warns "destructive" gusts of up to 140km/h may hit this afternoon, with a rare red warning issued for the capital. Hundreds of homes in the region are currently without power and flights have been cancelled out of the city's airport this afternoon. Victoria University has suspended teaching activities from midday and urged students to get home safely. Follow 1News' live updates for the latest on the severe weather impacting NZ People are urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and be prepared for possible power and communication outages, MetService said. "Wellington is no stranger to high winds but, even by our standards, this is an extraordinary day in the capital," meteorologist John Law told AAP. Law said the "combination of wind direction, a strong southerly, and rainfall and higher tides" prompted the warning escalation. The highest gust was recorded at Mt Kaukau at 150km/h, with the airport on the south coast registering 115km/h, forcing flight cancellations. A 17-hour strong wind warning is in place from 10am today to 3am tomorrow. An orange heavy rain warning is also in force until midday Friday. Trees down and roads inundated by severe weather event in Wellington. (Source: 1News) Severe gale southwesterlies with damaging gusts would peak this afternoon, especially about the south coast and exposed hilltops. Winds would ease into the evening. "Winds are expected to pick up from 10am, peaking at around 1pm, but continuing into the afternoon," a spokesperson for Wellington Emergency Management said. It was a wild morning in Houghton Bay. (Source: 1News) "We are advising people to stay indoors where possible and avoid unnecessary travel. If you need to travel this afternoon or evening, plan ahead as strong winds can make driving hazardous." Official warnings state there is a threat to life from flying items and falling trees, with destructive winds expected to cause damage to powerlines and roofs. Disruption to transport and electricity is also anticipated, according to MetService. The official forecaster issues red warnings when there is extreme weather which is likely to have a significant impact or disruption. The high winds are also causing travel havoc across the region. Most arriving and departing flights at Wellington Airport have been cancelled this afternoon. Most flights until 6pm have been cancelled. "Conditions are expected to continue impacting our network throughout the day, so we encourage customers travelling to check the Air New Zealand app or the arrivals and departures page on our website for the latest updates," a spokesperson said. Cook Strait ferry crossings have also been cancelled this afternoon and Interislander and Bluebridge sailings face cancellations well into tomorrow as well. An orange heavy rain warning for the Wellington region is also expected to bring about disruption, but there is a "minimal" chance the warning will be upgraded to red. "Expect 90 to 110 mm of rain about the eastern hills and ranges, and 50 to 70 mm elsewhere. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h expected mainly about the ranges," according to MetService. "Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible. Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously," the forecaster advised. Additional reporting by AAP
7NEWS
01-05-2025
- Climate
- 7NEWS
Chaotic weather hits New Zealand, disrupting flights and forcing schools to close
Australians travelling to New Zealand are being warned of wild weather and flight cancellations set to last for the rest of the week. Towns across the North Island and upper South Island have copped gale force winds and heavy rain over the past 24 hours, with 21 warnings and watches declared. The country's capital, Wellington on the North Island, received average winds of 87km/h, speeds not seen since 2013. In Baring Head, south of the capital, gusts reached 160km/h. MetService has issued a red warning for Wellington residents stating that: 'Threat to life from flying items and falling trees. Destructive winds will cause widespread damage including powerlines and roofs, with dangerous driving conditions and significant disruption to transport and power supply.' 'Wellington is no stranger to high winds but even by our standards this is an extraordinary day in the capital,' MetService meteorologist John Law told AAP. This warning forced the Victoria University of Wellington, along with many local schools, to shut their doors. At the capital's international airport, flights in and out have been majorly disrupted as airlines continue to cancel flights. 'Current conditions are expected to continue impacting our network throughout the day, so we encourage customers travelling to check the Air New Zealand app or the arrivals and departures page on our website for the latest updates,' Air New Zealand CEO Alex Marren said. 'As the wind is likely to continue throughout the day, we're offering flexibility for those with travel to and from Wellington. Customers are encouraged to self-serve and change or defer their travel plans where possible.' Jetstar has had eight cancelled flights and one diversion on flight JQ251. 'Safety is our number one priority, and our teams are continuing to monitor the conditions for flights later today,' a JetStar spokesperson told the NZ Herald. Ferry services by Cook Strait between the South and North Islands have been cancelled as well. Meanwhile, in Christchurch on the South Island, at least 12 flights have been cancelled. The Avon River in the city has also overflowed near the CBD due to heavy rainfall. The local council has raised concerns about the storm water network becoming inundated as rain continues. 'This can affect the mains, meaning that in some areas people may be experiencing 'slow' or 'no' service,' the council said. 'Toilets, showers and sinks may empty slowly or in the worst cases not at all. 'If this was to happen, the council will arrange any clean-up to property or the environment following being notified of overflows.' Rivers have also risen around the greater Canterbury region — of which Christchurch is the major centre — leading to the establishment of a state of emergency. Schools were forced to close too, while Selwyn district council began handing out sandbags. Locals were told to conserve water and, if possible, evacuate. 'Heavy rain continues to fall, with a warning in place until 6pm this evening. Please DO NOT DRIVE on the roads unless necessary,' Selwyn Council said in a statement. 'Although precautionary, we are asking that residents in Selwyn Huts self-evacuate from the area due to concerns of flooding from the Selwyn River.' The storm has also delivered the season's first major snowfall, coating the inland town of Tekapo on the South Island. Snow warnings have also been issued around Christchurch, Central Otago, the Queenstown Lakes District, and Canterbury High country.
