Photo: Unsplash / Erik Witsoe
Parts of the North Island could be in for rough weather this weekend, with possible thunderstorms this afternoon and heavy rain forecast for Sunday.
It comes after the South Island was battered by heavy rain, causing Westland to declare a local state of emergency.
MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for inland parts of Hawke's Bay, south of State Highway 5, and near the coast south of Hastings from 3pm until 11pm tonight.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said the areas could see localised downpours.
"And that would mean the possibility of intense downbursts of rain, and as we've seen in the past, those intense bursts of rain tend to bring impacts such as surface flooding, hazardous driving as well as slips.
The Red Warning expired this morning, and attention now turns to the North Island
— MetService (@MetService) January 19, 2024
A low pressure system drifting down from the north brings possible wet weather to Tairāwhiti/Gisborne from Sunday afternoon where Heavy Rain Warnings and Watches are in place pic.twitter.com/UxbIIhVXD0
Meanwhile, a low pressure system from the north is set to bring heavy rain to Tai Rāwhiti/Gisborne on Sunday.
"At this point, the most likely areas to get that heavy rain would be the Tai Rāwhiti/Gisborne area but we are just keeping an eye on the surrounding areas in case some of the rain makes it to the other side."
Makgabutlane said locals should keep up to date with forecasts.
