
The dissipating winds of Tropical Cyclone Lola prepare to take a formidable stance as they prepare to combine forces with a low-pressure system situated off Australia, setting the trajectory for a potent deluge that will envelop the northern regions of New Zealand later in the weekend. The atmospheric collision is set to unleash a weather spectacle of incident scale featuring potent gales, torrential rain, and titanic offshore swells destined to wreak havoc on the regions stretching from Northland to East Cape throughout Sunday and the initial stages of the week. The remainder of the week seems destined to submerge under a rain-soaked spell predominantly impacting the northernmost point of the region.
An anomalous but anticipated dip in temperatures will chill the air on Friday and Saturday, instilling an unseasonal wintery feel across New Zealand. The cold blast originating from the Southern Ocean is set to manifest itself in the form of frost and snow, bringing a shiver to any who venture out.
Meanwhile, scrutinizing the weather patterns for the latter part of the week, the MetService anticipated Auckland to battle against overcast skies and scattered showers, despite a high of 18C. However, the same forecast brought a bleaker torrent of heavy snow and subzero temperatures for regions further south, slating Christchurch for an icy 0C low.
The fluctuating patterns emerged after a day of high winds and relentless rain that prompted cancellation of flights in Wellington. An overturned truck in Canterbury and a light-show, courtesy of multiple lightning strikes across the country, also marked the storm’s passage. Meteorologists from MetService, specifically John Law, explained these tempestuous conditions as the dying lashes of Tropical Cyclone Lola, which had wreaked havoc over Vanuatu earlier this week.
As per Law, as we steer into the weekend, all eyes should be on the cyclone’s remnants. Their fusion with another low-pressure system situated off Australia could unleash a ferocious display of strong gales and torrential rainfall. Regions on high alert include Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Gisborne, and Hawke’s Bay, anticipated to bear the brunt of the storm from Sunday evening into Monday.
Peoples residing along the Bay of Plenty, Northland, among other regions, should brace themselves as Ocean swells are predicted to peak at a colossal 6 metres come Monday. WeatherWatch, a private forecaster, has warned that the remaining facets of the cyclone Lola could whip up a ‘squash zone’. Gale-force northeasterlies within this region could spell disaster by bringing down trees, potentially causing power cuts, and making for a generally harsh welcome to the week.
However, things change as fast as the wind in the world of meteorology, and the distinction between the smothers of rain and rare respites of dry weather remains finely balanced. WeatherWatch advised that there may be some revisions in impending forecasts and identified risk areas in the run-up to the expected storms.
Reflecting on the cyclone’s lifespan, WeatherWatch highlighted that Lola had ceased to be just 48 hours post-formation.
The forecast for Friday predicts plummeting temperatures complemented by thunderstorms, snow, and hail targeting Dunedin.
Residents must brace for an unseasonal frost following days of benevolent warmth that saw Napier basking in the country’s highest temperature on Thursday at a cozy 24.1C.
As the week grinds to a halt, the heavy snow watch alert for Fiordland, Southland, Clutha, Dunedin, Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes is expected to withdraw by 11am at the latest on Friday, though snowfall is expected above the 300m mark.
Road users traversing routes such as the Lewis Pass State Highway 7, Arthur’s Pass SH73, Haast Pass SH6, Lindis Pass SH8, the Crown Range Rd, Milford Rd SH94, and the Dunedin to Waitati Highway SH1 are warned to exercise caution. Snowfall of up to 15cm is expected to blanket areas above 800m.