Australia and New Zealand to Experience Severe Wind and Rainfall

Affected by a tropical low-pressure system (Figure 1), it is expected that from the 27th to the 30th, parts of Papua New Guinea and northeastern Australia will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, with localized heavy downpours or intense rain. The cumulative rainfall is anticipated to be between 80 - 170 mm, with some areas potentially exceeding 220 mm (Figure 2).

Additionally, from the 28th to the 30th, influenced by a low vortex, most regions of New Zealand's North Island and South Island will experience moderate to heavy rain, with some areas likely to see torrential or extreme downpours. The cumulative rainfall is expected to be between 60 - 90 mm, with localized areas potentially exceeding 150 mm (Figure 3). In these regions, strong winds of 6 to 8 levels will also be present, with gusts reaching 9 to 10 levels (Figure 4).

Attention should be given to the adverse impacts of severe wind and rain conditions on local power infrastructure, transportation, and other industries.

Figure 1  Forecast of 500 hPa Geopotential Height (Unit: dagpm) and 850 hPa Wind Field at 08:00 (Beijing Time) on December 28

Figure 2  Accumulated Precipitation from 08:00 on December 27 to 08:00 on December 31 (Unit: mm)

Figure 3  Accumulated Precipitation from 08:00 on December 28 to 08:00 on December 31 (Unit: mm)

Figure 4  Maximum Gust Speeds in 24 Hours on December 29 (Unit: m/s)

Author: Hu Yingying                                 Reviewer: Guan Yue

English reviewer:Wang Yi                                                                       Issue approver:Dai Kan