Heavy rain warnings are in force for parts of the South Island today as a moist subtropical airflow delivers wet weather and unusually warm temperatures across much of New Zealand.
MetService forecaster Gerard Bellam said a warm, moisture-laden northeasterly flow, fed by air originating near New Caledonia, was driving the unsettled conditions.
“We’ve got a warm sort of moist north to northeast flow, and there’s an embedded trough in there,” Bellam said.
The system is expected to bring heavy rain to northern and western-facing parts of the country, with orange heavy rain warnings in place for parts of the South Island.
Rain watches have also been issued for Northland and Taranaki Maunga.
While the rain will be the main concern in warning areas, much of the country is also set to experience temperatures well above average for late autumn.
Auckland is expected to reach 18C today with cloudy periods and isolated showers.
Conditions are forecast to deteriorate tomorrow, with persistent rain developing in the afternoon and temperatures ranging from 16C overnight to 19C during the day.
Tauranga and Hamilton are forecast to reach 19C today, with rain becoming more widespread on Monday.
Wellington will see mostly cloudy conditions and occasional rain developing this evening, with temperatures climbing to 17C today and 18C tomorrow.
Christchurch is forecast to reach a notably mild 21C today before rain arrives tomorrow afternoon. Dunedin is expected to see a high of 17C today and tomorrow, with periods of rain clearing early Monday.
Bellam said overnight temperatures would be the standout feature of the forecast.
“Auckland and Wellington are about 6 degrees above average for the minimum, and Christchurch is really warm. It’s 9 degrees above average, and Dunedin 6 degrees.”
The warmer-than-normal nights are expected to continue for several days as the subtropical air mass remains over the country.
“It’ll be warm. Above-average daytime maximums, but those quite warm nights for the next few days with that subtropical air mass coming down.”
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