Tasman District Braces for Heavy Rain and Southerly Gales

Heavy Rain and Southerly Gales

RICHMOND — Local residents across the Tasman District are advised to dig out their wet-weather gear and secure loose outdoor items as an active winter storm system moves over the top of the South Island. MetService has placed inland Tasman west of Motueka under an Orange Heavy Rain Warning until midnight tonight, warning that rapid river rises, surface flooding, and slips are possible.

The unsettled weather is the result of a low-pressure system bearing down from the Tasman Sea, drawing a moisture-laden front directly across our region before introducing much colder air from the south.

Short-Term Breakdown: What to Expect

• Wednesday, 24 June: Morning showers will turn to heavy, persistent rain by this afternoon across most of the district. Richmond and Motueka can expect a high of 14°C to 15°C, with northeasterly winds building throughout the day.
• Thursday, 25 June: Rain is expected to clear in the morning, leaving behind a mostly cloudy day. However, temperatures will drop to a high of 13°C, and overnight lows will plunge to 4°C. The main concern shifts to the wind, with southeasterlies rising to a gale in the evening.
• Friday, 26 June: A frosty, clear morning is on the cards as the system moves east. Strong southwesterly winds will ease by the afternoon, leading into a fine, crisp winter weekend.

Alpine Warnings and Backcountry Impact

For those commuting over the hill or heading into the back country, the influx of cold air on Thursday will drastically lower freezing levels. MetService has issued road snowfall warnings for major South Island passes. Up in the Nelson Lakes National Park, the freezing level will drop from 2100 metres down to 1200 metres before dawn on Thursday, bringing significant high-country snow and gale-force southeasterlies peaking at 80 km/h.

Community Safety Notice

The Community Safety Notice advises caution due to anticipated surface flooding, road snowfall warnings for central passes, and a strong wind advisory for Tasman Bay. Updated road conditions can be monitored through the NZTA Waka Kotahi Journey Planner.

For up-to-the-minute updates on the weather tracking, local residents can monitor the MetService Weather Warnings Page or keep their eyes on the Pigeon Post News at www.pigeonpostnews.co.nz or google Pigeon Post News Richmond.

"Have a wonderful, warm evening ahead."