According to MetService, Aotearoa is bracing for bitterly cold conditions driven by a combination of very cold air and strong winds, offering a sharp contrast to the milder double-digit temperatures recorded earlier this morning. That morning warmth provided a welcome reprieve from the sub-zero figures felt earlier in the week as a lingering cold snap swept across the country. Yesterday, the forecaster issued weather watches as an active trough, preceded by strong northerly winds, moved onto the country. Thunderstorms were active in the northern Cook Strait and the North Taranaki Bight this morning, with showers continuing alongside a chance of squally thunderstorms along the west coast from the glaciers to Plymouth.
South Island Weather Impacts and Wind Chill Factors
Meteorologist John Law told Breakfast that conditions would turn bitterly cold for the South Island due to very cold air and strong winds. Law described a blustery scenario featuring persistent southerly winds with gusts reaching around 100km/h in exposed coastal fringes and areas like Banks Peninsula that catch the brunt of the southerly flow. This severe wind chill will make it feel bitterly cold in Dunedin and Invercargill. In Christchurch, where the morning started at a balmy 11C, temperatures could drop to 8C while feeling closer to 3C due to the wind. Law explained that human bodies emit an envelope of warmth, but faster winds strip that warmth away much quicker, driving down apparent temperatures in windy coastal spots and Wellington.
Active Road Snowfall Warnings and Wind Watches
Severe weather watches and road snowfall warnings remain in place across multiple regions. According to MetService, a Strong Wind Watch is active for Christchurch, Banks Peninsula, and the Canterbury Plains about and east of Lincoln for eight hours from 5pm today to 1am Saturday. Coastal Otago faces a 10-hour watch from midday to 10pm, while Coastal Southland and southern Fiordland endured an 18-hour watch ending at 5pm today. Road snowfall warnings affect several key alpine routes, including the Desert Road (SH1) for seven hours starting 1am Saturday, Lewis Pass (SH7) for 28 hours, Arthur’s Pass (SH73) for 14 hours, Porters Pass (SH73) for 13 hours, Lindis Pass (SH8) for 14 hours, Crown Range Road for 15 hours, and Milford Road (SH94) for 19 hours.
Weekend Forecast and Outdoor Activity Outlook
Looking ahead to Saturday, outdoor activities and morning sports are expected to face bleak weather conditions marked by rain and wind. Law cautioned that early risers on Saturday will encounter a windy environment with persistent showers pushing through, alongside wet weather affecting the north of the country.
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