Regional Weather Notice

A Regional Weather Notice is issued by SIMA forecasters when significant weather is likely for a specific region of the South Island. Notices add regional detail and a timeline to the broader Significant Weather Outlook, describing what is expected, where, and when.

When a notice is issued

Notices are issued when model guidance and observations point to significant weather for a region within the next few days: heavy rain, strong winds, heavy snow, or a combination during a frontal passage. A notice usually follows a High Risk area on the Significant Weather Outlook, but may also be issued at short notice when a situation develops quickly.

Each notice lists the hazard, the regions affected, the expected timing, and a forecaster summary. Notices expire automatically once the event has passed, so an empty page means no significant regional weather is currently expected.

Reading a notice

The summary describes the overall weather setup. The details section explains the expected evolution hour by hour or day by day, often with a notice graphic showing the area of concern. Where a next bulletin time is shown, the notice will be reviewed and reissued by then.

Regions covered

SIMA notices cover the whole South Island, including Nelson, Marlborough, the West Coast, Canterbury, the Mackenzie Basin, Otago, Southland and Fiordland. Alpine areas and mountain passes such as Arthur's Pass, Lewis Pass, Porters Pass, Lindis Pass and the Crown Range receive particular attention because of their impact on travel.

Independent status

Regional Weather Notices are independent forecasts and are not official government warnings. For statutory severe weather warnings in New Zealand, refer to MetService, and follow instructions from Civil Defence during emergencies.

South Island Met Agency is an independent private forecaster and does not issue official government severe weather warnings. For official New Zealand watches and warnings, visit MetService. Read our About Us & Terms and Privacy Policy.