MetService says to expect “yo-yoing temperatures” typical of spring across the country this weekend.
MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris: “People shouldn’t expect the weather they’ve got on Saturday morning to last throughout the weekend.”
Orange rain and wind warnings were in place for Canterbury’s High Country.
Showers in Fiordland and Westland on Friday would move northward, bringing a wet Saturday morning for the North Island.
Thunderstorms were forecast to remain around the South Island’s southwest areas.
MetService meteorologist Heather Keats said there was a chance more watches and warnings could be added to the list over the weekend. (Source: Breakfast)
Ferris said those going to the All Blacks take on the Springboks at Auckland’s Eden Park on Saturday night should “take a good rain jacket” because of blustery winds but also a chance of a shower around kick-off at 7.05pm.
He warned it might be “breakfast in bed rather than a round of golf” for many dads as a cold southwesterly wind “zips up the country” from Saturday night.
Despite several areas getting wind and rain, Ferris said there would be pockets of warmth for everyone.
“If you keep up with the forecast, you’ll find a pleasant time to get outside.”
He expected the warmest conditions on Father’s Day to be around the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne in the morning, and Southland in the afternoon.
Wellington drivers warned of strong winds
This morning, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) warned drivers of strong winds set to buffet the region today.
Gusts of 120km/h were forecast for exposed areas from 11am, and a strong wind watch was also issued for Wairarapa.
“Drivers of high-sided vehicles (eg trucks, vans, campervans), motorcycles, and light vehicles must take care, especially on exposed routes like State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill and the Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 Transmission Gully. Drivers should be prepared for these hazards.”
NZTA said the bad weather would coincide with peak afternoon and evening traffic, and strong winds would increase the risk of wind-blown debris, downed powerlines, and tree falls.
“Road users are urged to take care, drive to the conditions, and check road and weather conditions before they travel.”
Full list of watches and warnings
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers (south of Arthur’s Pass) – 15 hours from 1am to 4pm today.
Strong Wind Warning – Orange
Wellington – 10 hours from 11am to 9pm today.
Canterbury High Country – 14 hours from 1am to 3pm today.
The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including winter weather sticking around, new research finds a link between rugby and dementia, and fashion titan Giorgio Armani dies. (Source: 1News)
Heavy Rain Watch
Eastern Bay of Plenty Ranges – 15 hours from midnight tonight to 3pm Saturday.
Tararua Range – 27 hours from midnight Thursday to 3am Saturday.
Western & Southern Ranges of Tasman/Nelson, Buller & Grey Districts – 21 hours from midnight Thursda to 9pm today.
Ranges of the Westland District – 20 hours from 9pm Thursday to 5pm today.
Headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers (north of Glenorchy) – 12 hours from 10pm Thursday to 10am Friday.
Strong Wind Watch
Wairarapa (excluding Tararua District) – 18 hours from 6am to midnight today.
Eastern Marlborough (south of Blenheim) – 12 hours from 5am to 5pm today.
Road Snowfall Warning
Crown Range Road – eight hours from 3pm to 11pm today.
Milford Road (SH94) – 21 hours from 3pm today to midday Saturday.
