Boxing Day brought relentless downpours to the eastern North Island, with the Tairāwhiti ranges recording over 100mm of rainfall. Gisborne bore the brunt of the deluge, receiving more than a month’s worth of rain in just one day. This pushed its December rainfall total past 200mm, putting it close to breaking the record for the wettest December since records began in 1937.
“Onshore winds have continued to funnel rain into the east of the North Island over the past 24 hours,” explained MetService Meteorologist John Law. “While we’ll see rain easing today, it’s expected to linger in the Wairoa District until Saturday morning.” A Heavy Rain Warning remains in effect for Wairoa until midday Saturday.
Strong winds have also added to the unsettled weather, with southwesterlies forecast to approach severe gale strength along coastal areas of Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti. Central parts of the country are not immune, as Strong Wind Watches have been issued for exposed areas at risk of gales or severe gales.
Despite this, brighter conditions are on the way. “Saturday is shaping up to be a dry and sunny day for most of New Zealand, especially in the western North Island and the South Island,” said Law. “However, the east coast may still see some lingering rain and cloud, while increasing cloud in the far south could bring some evening showers.”
Central Otago is set to steal the spotlight with the highest temperatures of the weekend. Alexandra is forecast to hit a scorching 32°C on Saturday, though the heat may trigger an isolated shower later in the evening, Law noted.
Meanwhile in Auckland, a yacht has been grounded this afternoon at Devonport – if you know anything about the cause or more details results of this – please drop us a FB message or email ahoy@boatingnz.co.nz
Looking ahead, rain is expected to return to the North Island early next week, bringing further wet weather to areas like Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti, which are already waterlogged. “As we approach New Year’s Eve, it’s worth keeping an eye on the forecast, particularly for regions like Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, which could face a damp end to 2024,” added Law.
