Waiting for the Weather

We have been promised yet another Polar Blast, but an even more severe version than what we experienced a couple of weeks ago.  A fierce blizzard is to smash its way up the country, bringing atrocious weather, and was described on the TV weather report today as “an army of fronts marching up the country”.  We can expect sleet and  snow by Sunday evening, with heavy snow fall on the Rimutaka Ranges, Hutt Valley and Wellington hilltop suburbs. Emergency services are bracing for chaos and possible power failures, and widespread road closures are expected to disrupt thousands of motorists. Huge waves are likely to pound Wellington's south coast and ambulance authorities are warning the elderly and very young to stay indoors and watch for signs of hypothermia. "This is not just a cold snap coming up, it's a major winter storm," MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said.

While we are waiting for this storm, it was reasonably mild for a mid winter’s day today.  We listened to the song of a tui as it sung high on the bare branches of a neighbour’s tree, silhouetted against the leaden sky.  You can just make out the tuft of white feathers at his throat.  Tuis were known as “Parson Birds” by the early European settlers.

Tui perched up high

Then a few moments later, he was joined by another.  His mate, perhaps?  Wouldn’t it be nice if they nest close by. 

Meanwhile, we are tucked up safe and sound at home.  We will just have to wait and see what the weather is like in the morning.  It will be a good day to stay indoors keeping warm, by all accounts.