Severe weather systems are set to impact both the South Island of New Zealand and a wide swath of the United States, with heavy rain warnings issued for multiple areas. The forecast predicts significant rainfall and snowfall beginning on May 6, 2026.
Key facts:
- Heavy rain warnings have been issued for the South Island’s west, with up to 400 millimetres of rain predicted in some areas.
- Orange heavy rain warnings are in effect for Tasman District, Buller, Westland, and Fiordland.
- Peak rainfall rates of 20 to 30 millimetres an hour are expected in the Tasman District.
- Buller and Westland could receive between 200 and 300 millimetres of rain, with chances of thunderstorms.
- A massive cold front is impacting at least 25 states in the US, bringing heavy rain and severe weather threats.
- The cold front has created a rare May snowstorm across the Central Rockies, including Denver.
MetService warned that more heavy rain and possible gales were expected to hit the South Island on Friday and Saturday due to the low pressure system. The main threat will be severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail and tornadoes across parts of central Mississippi and central Alabama.
A study from the University of Oxford shows climate models are struggling to capture human impacts on storm tracks and rainfall distribution. Forecasts had predicted a major storm but failed to pinpoint exactly where heavy rainfall would land. This uncertainty complicates preparations for affected regions.
In Valencia, a deadly storm claimed over 230 lives in October 2024 when more than a year’s worth of rain fell within hours. Officials continue to monitor conditions closely as these severe weather patterns develop.
