Unprecedented Weather Conditions Sweep Through Hawke’s Bay
The Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand is currently experiencing unseasonably high temperatures and unexpected rainfall, with Napier and Hastings reaching 28-29°C on Thursday afternoon. This extreme weather comes just days after a “severe thunderstorm warning” was issued by MetService.
Temperature Highs and Rainfall in Hawke’s Bay
- On Thursday, Napier and Hastings reached temperatures up to 28-29°C.
- Weather forecasts predict temperatures could rise further, with forecasts of up to 30°C for Saturday.
- Thursday’s rain followed a “severe thunderstorm warning” issued by MetService.
- Rainfall totals vary across the region. Omakere farmer Mark Warren estimated his property received $50,000 worth of productivity per inch (25.4mm) of rain, while Tararua farmer Simon Collin reported 40mm since Friday.
Farmers’ Reactions to the Weather Conditions
Many farmers in the region have expressed mixed feelings about the weather. While the rain is welcomed, some are concerned after lower-than-average rainfall since mid-winter.
Previous Extreme Weather Events in Hawke’s Bay
- In June 2023, Hastings saw a nationwide June record temperature of 25.7°C.
- The region has seen several unusual high temperatures in the past, making this year’s heatwave not entirely unexpected.
Future Weather Predictions for Hawke’s Bay
Showers and rain are forecast across the North Island, including Hawke’s Bay, for much of next week. This could provide further relief to farmers who have experienced lower-than-average rainfall this winter.
MetService Forecast and Warnings
- MetService reported approximately 30mm of rain in an hour from 2pm to 3pm on Thursday in an area east of Waipukurau.
- Additional rainfall totals were recorded at Mangaorapa, near Porangahau (22mm), and in the ranges to the west (39mm).
Conclusion
As Hawke’s Bay continues to experience record-breaking temperatures and rainfall, it is important for both residents and farmers alike to stay informed about the latest weather forecasts and warnings. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Word count: 458 (not including headers or HTML tags)
0 Comments