New Zealand is experiencing persistent heavy rainfall

I. Observation

Affected by a low-pressure vortex in the southern hemisphere's westerly belt, on April 9th (Beijing time, the same below), heavy to severe rainstorms or extremely heavy rain occurred in the South Island of New Zealand, with locally recorded 24-hour rainfall reaching 165 mm.

Figure 1. Rainfall  on April 9, 2024 (Unit: mm)

II. Forecast

It is expected that from April 10 to 12, under the influence of a low votex, heavy rain will continue in New Zealand. Most areas will experience heavy to severe rainstorms, with parts of the South Island likely to see extremely heavy or record-breaking rainstorms. Local rainfall amounts may reach or approach historical extremes for the same period.

Figure 2. Accumulated rainfall from April 10 to 12, 2024 (Unit: mm) and the Extreme Forecast Index (EFI) for total rainfall

Author: Xie Jin                              Reviewer: Meng Qingtao 

English reviewer:Wang Yi                                                      Issue approver:Dai Kan