Long range weather maps are clearly plotting that Rene will head towards New Zealand at the end of the working week.  So will it still be as powerful?

The tropical cyclone is currently category 3 strength – 5 is the highest.

WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan says the storm is one to watch closely but still remains no threat to the country.  “We believe the then ex-tropical cyclone will move very close to north eastern parts of the North Island around Thursday and Friday but we believe it will only brush us with cloud and perhaps strong south to south east winds”.

Mr Duncan says the storm may also cause dangerous seas along eastern beaches.  “Northland, Cormandel, Bay of Plenty, East Cape and Hawkes Bay may all see larger swells from the east and stronger underwater rips”.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says the storm is unlikely to bring severe weather to the country but says that former tropical storms should always be monitored closely.  The forecasting website advises anyone who will be around north eastern beaches from Wednesday onwards should be up to date with the latest forecasts and that swimmers should be aware of the likely increase in dangerous rips.

SATELLITE MAP OF RENE
This satellite map clearly shows the eye of the cyclone passing directly over Tu’anekivale. 

LATEST FORECAST TRACK OF RENE – Joint Typhoon Warning Centre, Pearl Harbour, Hawaii.