Latest news with #LewisFerris
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Climate
- Otago Daily Times
Icy start as wintry blast expected to bring heavy snow
Kiwis are waking to freezing temperatures in some places ahead of a wintry blast expected to bring heavy snow to parts of the South Island. At 7am, MetService's website showed Mosgiel as officially the coldest centre in the country, on -5C. Alexandra was on -2.5C, and Queenstown -1C. Christchruch woke up to 0C, while Dunedin was on 3C, only one degree less than the warmest places in the South Island - Nelson and Westport on 4C. At 10.45am Mosgiel was still shivering, on -1.5C. 💨🌧️❄️ Wind, rain, and snow are all on the cards today! Snowfall will continue over the higher parts of the South Island, while the North Island braces for strong southeasterlies, showers, and even a dusting of snow around the ranges near and east of Tongariro National Park. — MetService (@MetService) June 5, 2025 Non-official weather station data on the MetService site showed -7C at Tekapo at first light, and both the Central Otago District Council and the Queenstown Lakes District Council said temperatures of -6C had been recorded. The freezing icy conditions prompted Southern Police to issue a warning of black ice on Southland roads and to urge motorists to take "extreme care". They said they had already attended one black-ice related crash this morning and were aware of another. "Thankfully no one has been injured but we want to ensure everyone gets to their destination safely." The chill and road warnings come amid a raft of weather alerts. Check MetService weather alerts An orange heavy snow warning issued for Central Otago has been downgraded to a heavy snow watch, from 2pm to 8pm today, but an orange warning remains for inland Canterbury, from the Rakaia River southwards from 3pm on Friday to 6am on Saturday. MetService says to expect 10 to 20 cm of snow to settle above 500 metres, with lesser amounts down to 300 metres. A heavy snow watch is also in place for the Queenstown Lakes District, from 3pm to 10pm today. The forecaster said the snow could disrupt travel and cause damage to trees and powerlines. It urged people to prepare for freezing temperatures and possible power outages. "If you must travel, drive cautiously, and ensure you have snow chains, sleeping bags, warm clothing, and emergency items." MetService Meteorologist Lewis Ferris said the heaviest snowfall was expected in high, inland areas. "These areas do look most likely to see some heavy snow throughout Friday, running into the night time and maybe just tipping over into Saturday as well," he said. Temperatures across the southern half of the South Island were expected to dive into the negatives, and remain low for most of the weekend. "A lot of people will have noticed a real chill to the air," Ferris said. "It looks like the South Island, even parts of the North Island, will feel the chills through the weekend. Some places even into the middle of next week, especially around Central Otago, places like Alexandra, might be fighting to get out of those negatives even through the daytime," he said. Farmers brace for snow The sub-zero temperatures and potential snow are bringing added stress to farmers and their livestock. In Tapanui - near Gore - Federated Farmers' Otago president Luke Kane has been getting his farm and animals ready. He told Morning Report the drop in temperatures and heavy snow didn't come as a surprise for this time of the year. "It is winter after all. We normally would anticipate two to three of these storms for us throughout the winter and this may be the first one." Preparation was key when these types of snow storms hit, including putting out few extra hay bails, utilising shelter and making sure staff were safe and well fed, Kane said. Road snow warnings Road snowfall warnings are in place for Dunedin's Northern Motorway (SH1) from 1pm to midnight on Friday, the Crown Range Road from 4pm to 10pm on Friday, Haast Pass (SH6) from 8pm to midnight Friday, Lindis Pass (SH8) from 4pm today to 1am on Saturday, the Milford Road (SH94) from 4pm to 9pm on Friday, Lewis Pass (SH7) from 5pm on Friday to 9am Saturday, Arthur's Pass (SH73) from 4pm Friday to 8am Saturday, and Porters Pass (SH73) from 4pm Friday to 8am Saturday. - APL/additional reporting RNZ
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Climate
- RNZ News
Weather: South Island prepares for heavy snow, sub-zero temperatures to strike
Lake Tekapo has already been hit by heavy snow. Photo: Supplied / Tanja Clauberg A fresh surge of winter weather is set to descend on the South Island on Friday, bringing snow, sub-zero temperatures and the risk of travel disruption. Authorities are urging caution as road conditions turn slippery and alpine areas brace for heavy snowfall. Metservice issued weather warnings covering most of Te Waipounamu on Friday. Meteorologist Lewis Ferris said the heaviest snowfall was expected in high, inland areas. A snow warning was in place for Central Otago and areas of Canterbury south of the Rangitata River for 9am Friday until midnight. "These areas do look most likely to see some heavy snow throughout Friday, running into the night time and maybe just tipping over into Saturday as well," he said. MetService said 15-25 centimetres of snow could accumulate above 500 metres elevation - and that could mean travel disruption and possible damage to trees and powerlines. In Queenstown Lakes District a heavy snow watch was in place between 9am and 9pm Friday, with snow possible down to 400 metres. A heavy snow watch was also issued for Canterbury north of the Rangitata River and southern Marlborough from 4pm on Friday until 8am on Saturday. Temperatures across the southern half of the South Island were expected to dive into the negatives, and remain low for most of the weekend. "A lot of people will have noticed a real chill to the air," Ferris said. "It looks like the South Island, even parts of the North Island, will feel the chills through the weekend. Some places even into the middle of next week, especially around Central Otago, places like Alexandra, might be fighting to get out of those negatives even through the daytime," he said. Lake Tekapo after overnight snow dump. Photo: Supplied / Tanja Clauberg Authorities urged drivers to factor in the wild weather, and prepare for potential road closures. Ferris said Metservice had issued road snowfall warnings for a number of alpine passes. "Conditions could be quite treacherous, so it's going to be one of those things to check in with the Transport Agency, see if there are any road closures," he said. Metservice said snow could accumulate on the Crown Range, the Lindis Pass, the Haast Pass and on the Dunedin to Waitati Highway. In Canterbury, snow was also expected to settle on Porters Pass, Lewis Pass and Arthurs Pass. Civil Defence Emergency Management Canterbury said people who needed to travel should carry snow chains, sleeping bags, warm clothing and emergency items. "If driving, please remember to switch your headlights on, increase your following distance and be prepared for unexpected hazards," it said. Ferris said people should exercise caution even in areas where there was no snow expected. "Plenty of frosts will be forecast around the South Island. So it could just be a case of taking a little bit easier if you have to be doing any morning travel through the weekend," he said. The warnings follow two highway closures in inland Canterbury on Thursday. Both State Highway 8, between Lake Pukaki and Fairlie, and State Highway 80, between Lake Pukaki and Aoraki-Mount Cook, were closed due to heavy snow. New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said both closures were short-lived and the impact was not widespread. The agency said it would be working with its partners to keep a close eye on the State Highway network around the south and would be responding with its crews as required. It also noted a risk of potential severe gale force southeast winds in Westland on Friday afternoon, and encouraged motorists to be prepared. Central Otago and inland Canterbury, from the Rangitata River southwards are under an orange heavy snow warning. Photo: MetService/Supplied The sub-zero temperatures and potential snow are bringing added stress to farmers and their livestock. In Tapanui - near Gore - Federated Farmers' Otago president Luke Kane has been getting his farm and animals ready. He told Morning Report the drop in temperatures and heavy snow didn't come as a surprise for this time of the year. "It is winter after all. We normally would anticipate two to three of these storms for us throughout the winter and this may be the first one." Preparation was key when these types of snow storms hit, including putting out few extra hay bails, utilising shelter and making sure staff were safe and well feed, Kane said. "We make sure that we have got everything for the next few days pretty well prepared for the cows so we are not having to run tractors around in the mud or snow if it does come. "Most people are pretty well climatised to this type of thing down here." Kane said most farmers had mostly recovered going into winter after a "horrendous spring in the lower South". "Ground conditions are pretty fantastic really and it's shaping up to be okay at this point." He said he hoped people would use their common sense as the chill moved in. "There's always a hope for common sense but it doesn't always prevail right," he laughed. The cold snap could bring a welcome coating of snow for ski areas approaching their winter opening dates. The forecast showed Canterbury's Mt Hutt ski field, which abandoned plans to open early last month , could have a 50 centimetre top up. It was aiming for an opening date of 13 June. There was more than 50 centimetres of snow in Friday's forecast for some Arthurs Pass ski areas, such as Porters and Mount Cheeseman, and for Mackenzie Basin ski areas including Mount Dobson and Roundhill - all set to open later this month, or in early July. Ski fields in the Queenstown Lakes Area - set to open on 14 June - were all in line for a smaller dusting of about 10 - 15 centimetres on Friday. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
NZ Herald
24-04-2025
- Climate
- NZ Herald
Anzac weekend: More ‘severe' weather, heavy rain on way for Northland, Auckland
MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris said an area of concern this weekend was the top of the country, which might be in for its second wet weekend in a row. Last week, ex-tropical Cyclone Tam brought intense downpours and thunderstorms to the North Island that caused devastating flooding and left thousands in the dark during widespread power outages. 'There is a lot of uncertainty around this weather system and how much rain it may bring, so it's advised to keep up with the latest forecasts,' Ferris said. He told the Herald the various models were showing a wide spread of forecasts, which made it difficult to assess how severe the rain would be. Ferris said there was 'definitely potential for heavy rain in the mix'. It was too far in advance to issue any warnings or watches, he said. MetService said that through tomorrow, the risk of rain drifted southward and by midday on Saturday, rain looked likely for areas north of Taupō. What is on the cards for your Anzac Day commemoration plans? MetService said cloudier skies and spells of rain are expected for Northland on Anzac Day, but temperatures for the dawn service are likely to hold around the mid-teens. 'Working our way down the country, hugging the eastern coast of the North Island is where a risk of passing showers exist for dawn services, so bring a raincoat. 'Moving away from those areas, it will be chilly temperatures that people need to prepare for, with 2C forecast for Taupō, Masterton and Alexandra,' MetService said. Niwa said dry weather is expected nearly everywhere, with just a couple of showers in the Far North and West Coast on Friday. 'Dress warm! Chilly temperatures in the single numbers will be common,' Niwa said. At this stage, no severe weather watches or warnings are in place for the long weekend. South Island weather - most settled in NZ MetService said that generally, the South Island is where the weather is most settled this long weekend. Advertise with NZME. After a run of quite gloomy days in Christchurch, where the MetService airport station detected only 7.8 hours of sunshine over 10 days (between Monday, April 14 and Wednesday, April 23), people can look forward to a few sunny afternoons for the long weekend. MetService said temperatures in Christchurch are expected to climb into the 20s on Sunday. Some showers would be sprinkled down the West Coast, perhaps a little more widespread on Sunday. 'People heading out into the hills around Nelson and Tasman will need to keep an eye on the forecast as there's the possibility of rain setting in on Saturday,' Lewis said. 'While some areas will need to keep the raincoats on hand, many parts of the country can look forward to some moments of sunshine. Make sure to keep up with the latest MetService forecast over the long weekend.'
Scoop
24-04-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Chilly Dawn Service But Warm Air Brings Rain Through Weekend
Forecast – MetService Covering period of Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 April Most of the country is in for a dry but cool ANZAC Day dawn service with MetService forecasts looking more favourable for outdoors activities around the South Island while warm, humid air brings rain in from the Far North over the weekend. Cloudier skies and spells of rain are expected for Northland on ANZAC day, however, temperatures for the Dawn Service are likely to hold around the mid-teens. Working our way down the country, hugging the eastern coast of the North Island is where a risk of passing showers exist for Dawn Services so bring a raincoat. Moving away from those areas it will be chilly temperatures that people need to prepare for with 2°C forecast for Taupō, Masterton and Alexandra. Through the rest of Friday the risk of rain drifts southward and by midday Saturday rain looks likely for areas north of Taupō. The wet weather is linked to an area of warm, humid air so the potential for heavy falls will accompany the rain. MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris states, 'One area of concern this weekend will be Northland and Auckland, which may see another wet weekend. There is a lot of uncertainty around this weather system and how much rain it may bring so it's advised to keep up with the latest forecasts.' This rain may mean a wet pitch but will hopefully not dampen the Auckland FC supporter's mood for the match on Sunday evening. South of Taupō, areas of the North Island look to stay dry until the second half of Saturday but by keeping up with the latest forecasts you may still find a time to get out and about without rain on Sunday too. Generally, the South Island is where the weather is most settled this weekend. After a run of quite gloomy days in Christchurch, where our airport station only detected 7.8 hours of sunshine over 10 days (between Monday 14 and Wednesday 23), they can look forward to a few sunny afternoons for the long weekend with temperatures even climbing into the 20s on Sunday. Match conditions look great for the Warriors game on Friday evening, wrap up warm though as the temperature will plummet once the sun goes down. Some showers will be sprinkled down the West Coast, maybe a little more widespread on Sunday. People heading out into the hills around Nelson and Tasman will need to keep an eye on the forecast as there's the possibility of rain setting in on Saturday. 'While some areas will need to keep the raincoats on hand, many parts of the country can look forward to some moments of sunshine. Make sure to keep up with the latest MetService forecast over the long weekend,' Lewis concludes. Content Sourced from Original url
Scoop
24-04-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Chilly Dawn Service But Warm Air Brings Rain Through Weekend
Covering period of Thursday 24 - Sunday 27 April Most of the country is in for a dry but cool ANZAC Day dawn service with MetService forecasts looking more favourable for outdoors activities around the South Island while warm, humid air brings rain in from the Far North over the weekend. Cloudier skies and spells of rain are expected for Northland on ANZAC day, however, temperatures for the Dawn Service are likely to hold around the mid-teens. Working our way down the country, hugging the eastern coast of the North Island is where a risk of passing showers exist for Dawn Services so bring a raincoat. Moving away from those areas it will be chilly temperatures that people need to prepare for with 2°C forecast for Taupō, Masterton and Alexandra. Through the rest of Friday the risk of rain drifts southward and by midday Saturday rain looks likely for areas north of Taupō. The wet weather is linked to an area of warm, humid air so the potential for heavy falls will accompany the rain. MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris states, 'One area of concern this weekend will be Northland and Auckland, which may see another wet weekend. There is a lot of uncertainty around this weather system and how much rain it may bring so it's advised to keep up with the latest forecasts.' This rain may mean a wet pitch but will hopefully not dampen the Auckland FC supporter's mood for the match on Sunday evening. South of Taupō, areas of the North Island look to stay dry until the second half of Saturday but by keeping up with the latest forecasts you may still find a time to get out and about without rain on Sunday too. Generally, the South Island is where the weather is most settled this weekend. After a run of quite gloomy days in Christchurch, where our airport station only detected 7.8 hours of sunshine over 10 days (between Monday 14 and Wednesday 23), they can look forward to a few sunny afternoons for the long weekend with temperatures even climbing into the 20s on Sunday. Match conditions look great for the Warriors game on Friday evening, wrap up warm though as the temperature will plummet once the sun goes down. Some showers will be sprinkled down the West Coast, maybe a little more widespread on Sunday. People heading out into the hills around Nelson and Tasman will need to keep an eye on the forecast as there's the possibility of rain setting in on Saturday. 'While some areas will need to keep the raincoats on hand, many parts of the country can look forward to some moments of sunshine. Make sure to keep up with the latest MetService forecast over the long weekend,' Lewis concludes.
