Satellite

The satellite page shows live imagery from the Himawari geostationary satellite over the South Island and Tasman Sea, provided through the updated Windy embed, with a wider Tasman view and a link to Zoom Earth. Satellite imagery reveals cloud patterns, fronts and developing storms before they reach the radar network.

Infrared and visible imagery

Visible imagery works like a photograph taken from space and is only available during daylight. Thick, bright cloud such as cumulonimbus reflects more sunlight than thin cirrus or low stratus. Infrared imagery measures the temperature of cloud tops and works day and night. Cold, high cloud tops appear bright white or are colour enhanced, while warm, low cloud and the surface appear darker.

What to look for

Long bands of cloud stretching across the Tasman Sea usually mark cold fronts approaching the West Coast. Comma-shaped cloud masses indicate developing low pressure systems. Small, bright, rapidly growing cells with very cold tops are thunderstorms. Wave-like cloud bands downwind of the Southern Alps show mountain lee waves, often associated with strong northwest winds in Canterbury and Otago.

About the satellite

Himawari is operated by the Japan Meteorological Agency and sits in geostationary orbit over the western Pacific, scanning the full disc every ten minutes. Its position gives an excellent view of New Zealand and the Tasman Sea, which is why it is the primary satellite used by forecasters across the region.

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.