Weather forecast: New Zealand enjoys a brief calm before weekend storms
New Zealand enjoys a brief respite with fine weather. Wellington reached 15°C, while Auckland saw partly cloudy skies. However, stronger winds and rain are approaching this weekend. A previous red-level wind warning caused disruption. Northwest flow arrives Saturday, bringing potential gale-force gusts and heavy rain. Authorities advise securing loose items and staying informed.
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Popular in International
1.
Ash from Whakaari disrupts flights as volcanic unrest continues
New Zealanders are savouring a rare calm spell today(May 14) as fine skies and mild temperatures sweep the country before a weather system brings stronger winds and rain this weekend.In Wellington , the day's high reached 15 °C after a cool start at 11 °C, with southerly breezes shifting northerly by evening. Aucklanders enjoyed partly cloudy skies and temperatures between 11 °C and 20 °C under light winds, while Christchurch and Dunedin basked in clear and gentle breezes, with the thermometer peaking at 13 °CResearch from the latest IAG 'Wild Weather Tracker' reveals that over half of New Zealanders report anxiety about storms and heavy rainfall, and 43 percent specifically fear flooding.In Auckland 's low-lying Ōtara suburb, Meena Patel recounts last month's flash flood that forced her family to flee their home: 'We never imagined water would surge past our windows so quickly,' she says, still shaken by the experience.Last week's wild weather caused widespread disruption. A red-level wind warning, Wellington's first ever, was issued after gusts peaked at 160 km/h, toppling trees and delaying flights.Today's settled conditions will give way to increasing cloud overnight, and fresh northwesterlies tomorrow morning.While Thursday(May 15) should remain mainly fine, Friday(May 16) brings a 50 percent chance of afternoon showers as northwest winds strengthenNorthwest flow is forecast to arrive Saturday(May 17), with potential gale‑force gusts and heavy rain, particularly across central and southern regions.Authorities urge households to secure loose items, review emergency plans, and stay informed via MetService warnings.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Auckland rush hour turns into traffic nightmare as severe thunderstorms, flash flooding and 27km gridlock paralyze the city
A familiar commute turned into a nightmare for thousands of Auckland drivers on Monday(June 9) as severe weather and gridlocked traffic collided during the evening rush. From Papakura to Bombay, a 27‑kilometre crawl dominated the Southern Motorway. Normally a 28‑minute trip, commuters spent nearly three hours in their vehicles as a truck spill briefly shut all lanes south of the city. Across the city, even trips from Te Atatū to Manukau, a typical 22‑minute drive, stretched past two hours. Severe thunderstorm watch by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What Happens When You Massage Baking Soda Into Your Scalp Read More This gridlock coincided with a Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued by MetService , covering Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, the Coromandel, Waikato, Waitomo, and Taranaki until midnight. Meteorologist Devlin Lyden warned of a 'solid band' of storms, drifting in from the northwest at a rate of 25–40 mm/h, enough to trigger flash flooding, slips, and power outages. 'It's one solid slap,' Lyden said, though he cautioned that smaller storm cells could follow the main front. Live Events The peak hit Auckland and the Waikato around 6 pm, and this evening's rush intersected with the worst of it. Drivers described scenes of near‑standstill traffic, walls of water, and wipers struggling to clear drenched windshields. Motorists urged caution: 'If you're on the roads, drive to the conditions… maybe try and delay travel,' Lyden advised. This storm system comes on the heels of an earlier one that disrupted flights at Auckland Airport, canceling 15 domestic flights and delaying 30 more amid heavy fog. NIWA confirmed over 5,000 lightning strikes in the upper North Island last weekend; after one storm clears, others are likely to follow. Why should everyone pay attention? Safety first: Flash flooding can launch cars into streams, and gusty winds could topple tree branches Unpredictable timing: Forecasts say the heaviest rain will hit during peak commuting hours, so it's not just about inconvenience—it's a genuinely hazardous road environment. Previous floods: Auckland's worst‑ever floods in early 2023 caused mass evacuations, infrastructure damage, and lasting community trauma. Aucklanders are urged to stay weather-aware, allow extra travel time, avoid flash‑flood zones, and take forecasts seriously to avoid repeating costly mistakes.
Economic Times
25-05-2025
- Economic Times
Massive Tasman front to bring flooding rains and dangerous winds to New Zealand
TIL Creatives Storm clouds gather over New Zealand as the Tasman front nears, bringing rain, wind, and disruption New Zealand is bracing for a significant weather event as a front moves in from the Tasman Sea. The front is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the country's western regions. MetService has issued several warnings and watches for the approaching front. "A front sweeps over southern and central New Zealand from the Tasman Sea during Sunday and Monday, bringing a period of heavy rain and strong north to northwest winds," the forecaster stated. Orange heavy rain warnings are in effect for Buller, the Westland ranges, parts of Canterbury, and parts of Otago from Sunday evening through until Monday morning(May 26). Also Read: New Zealand weather alert: Know how the weekend will be, before it turns ugly next week In the ranges of Westland and the headwaters of Canterbury lakes and rivers, about and south of Arthur's Pass, up to 200mm of rain is expected. "Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions are possible," MetService warned. Additionally, heavy rain watches have been issued for Taranaki, parts of Tasman, the Tararua range, and the Grey District. The forecaster noted that periods of heavy rain are expected and that amounts could approach warning criteria. Further heavy rain may impact Taranaki on Tuesday morning, and the watch could be extended. Also Read: Why millions of New Zealanders' phones will buzz loudly this Sunday A strong wind watch is also in place for Wellington, the Canterbury High Country, and Marlborough. Northerly and northwest winds could approach severe gales in some places, MetService New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has urged drivers, especially those traveling at the top of the South Island and lower North Island, to be prepared for adverse weather conditions on the roads. "This weather will affect State Highway 60 in Tākaka/Golden Bay, State Highway 6 between Nelson and Blenheim, State Highway 63 Wairau Valley/St Arnaud, and State Highway 1 Picton to Kaikōura," a spokesperson said. "Road users must drive to the conditions and be prepared for hazards like slips, rockfalls, and localised flooding."Drivers of high-sided vehicles such as trucks and vans, as well as motorcyclists and towing vehicles, are cautioned due to strong winds, particularly on exposed routes like State Highway 2 at Remutaka Hill and the Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 through Transmission Gully. "Road users should also be alert to the chance of windblown debris, fallen trees, and downed power lines," the NZTA in the affected areas are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts and heed any local advisories. The combination of heavy rainfall and strong winds poses risks of flooding, slips, and power outages. Preparation and caution are essential to ensure safety during this weather event.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Time of India
New Zealander weather alert: Know how the weekend will be, before it turns ugly next week
As New Zealanders prepare for the weekend of May 24-25, 2025, MetService forecasts predominantly fine weather across the country, offering a respite before more unsettled conditions arrive next week. MetService meteorologist Heather Keats reports that high-pressure systems will dominate Saturday's weather(May 24), leading to cold starts but generally clear conditions. "Tomorrow, very similar, high pressure again so another cold start but looking pretty good," she told Breakfast. In Auckland, residents can expect a mix of sun and clouds with temperatures reaching 18°C (64°F) and dropping to 12°C (53°F) at night. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This may be of interest to you! Undo Wellington will see sunny to partly cloudy skies, with highs around 16°C (61°F) and lows near 13°C (55°F). Christchurch is forecast to have mostly sunny conditions, with daytime temperatures around 15°C (59°F) and chilly nights dipping to 3°C (37°F). Live Events Also Read: Australia's deadliest floods Sunday(May 25) brings a shift in weather patterns as a front approaches the southwest of the South Island. "It's [going to] be a front that approaches the southwest of the South Island, so there will be some heavy rain for the southwest," Keats noted. However, areas from Christchurch up to Marlborough and the southeast, as well as the North Island, will remain mostly dry, with cloudy periods and the possibility of isolated showers. Keats offers some warmth to the forecast, as winters officially begin next weekend. "With winter starting next Saturday, you'll be happy to know that we actually do have quite a warm spell coming up," she said. The incoming front on Sunday brings a moist northerly flow, leading to an uptick in temperatures, especially noticeable in overnight lows. "In fact, those in the North and the upper North will probably be kicking off the winter duvet for next week as well," Keats added. MetService is closely monitoring developing systems that could lead to severe weather next week, despite this week's calm weather system. "Heavy rain to the West Coast; heavy falls later in the evening. Also the winds, we've got nor-westerners and could even be some gales for Wellington," Keats warned. The system is expected to move over the North Island on Monday, bringing another windy day for Marlborough and Wellington. "On Tuesday, it looks like there's some rather nasty stuff kind of brewing out over the Tasman," she cautioned.
