Grasp New Zealand's weather pattern? Here's your guide
Summer in New Zealand is an exciting time for outdoor enthusiasts, but it's essential to stay informed about the changing weather patterns. Here's a guide to help you navigate the mountain weather forecasts on MetService.com, making your summer adventures safer and more enjoyable.
For a general indication of expected weather conditions in major North and South Island mountain areas above 800 metres, check the Brief Mountain Forecast on MetService.com. The South Island might experience warmer and drier conditions than usual, but cold southerly outbreaks are still possible any time of the year.
If you're planning a multi-day adventure, the '3 day' and '5 day Rain Forecast' pages provide model data used by meteorologists to craft the forecasts. Keep in mind that the fine morning might turn into a downpour come afternoon during the summer.
For a more detailed, day-by-day forecast, the rural forecasts on MetService.com are prepared by qualified meteorologists for the days 1-6, with further out forecasts being computer generated. The National Parks forecast page offers weather forecasts five days in advance, prepared by a team of meteorologists with mountain forecasting expertise.
The Severe Weather Outlook on MetService.com gives a breakdown of at-risk areas six days out, and checking this is strongly advised for those venturing into the outdoors. Similarly, checking the 'Thunderstorm Outlook' page is recommended as it shows at-risk areas over the next two days.
Intense low-pressure systems could accompany the warm air during the summer, bringing about the possibility of heavy rainfalls or droughts, which are increasing in frequency due to climate change. For those unfamiliar with wind speeds, the black wind barbs on the 'Rain' page show the wind speed in knots, which can be multiplied by two for the approximate kmph speed.
The 'Maps & Radar' section of the MetService.com website contains useful information, including real-time rainfall data, isobars, fronts, troughs, and satellite imagery. The 'Visible' satellite imagery is only available while the sun is up, while the 'Infrared' imagery is available 24 hours a day.
It's worth noting that if the forecasts are changing considerably, it indicates a complex weather situation with high uncertainty. In such cases, checking the forecasts every day during the lead-up to an outdoor adventure is recommended.
This summer is expected to be a La Niña event, opening up the possibility of receiving more warm, humid air from the north. For those seeking a comprehensive understanding of New Zealand's mountain weather this summer, MetService.com offers a wealth of resources to help you prepare for your adventures.
Always remember, the most recent forecast on MetService.com is generally the most reliable, so make sure to check it regularly before embarking on your outdoor adventures. Stay safe and enjoy the summer!
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Massive 8.8 earthquake hits off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting Japan to issue a tsunami alert.
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization