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RNZ News
17-05-2025
- Climate
- RNZ News
Weather: Strong winds lash NZ, potential thunderstorms on the way
Weather alerts across the North Island on 18 May, 2025. Photo: MetService Heavy wind and rain have been lashing areas of both the North and South Island overnight and on Sunday morning, with the potential of thunderstorms on the way for the north. In the South Island, all weather alerts issued by MetService have ended - besides a heavy rain watch east of Nelson. In the lower North Island, a heavy wind warning was in place in Wellington until 1pm and a wind watch will stay in force till 3pm. There was also a heavy rain warning till 4pm in Tararua Ranges and a watch until 3pm in Wellington, Horowhenua and Kāpiti Coast. MetService meteorologist Kgolofelo Dube told RNZ the fastest wind gusts recorded in the past 12 hours were on Mount Hutt at 174km/h and Wellington's Mount Kaukau at 164km/h. Dube said the South Island's weather had been driven by two cold fronts, while in the North Island a low pressure system had caused the windy, rainy conditions. She said Mt Taranaki and parts of Tasman had seen the largest downpours. On Mt Taranaki, 140mm of rain had fallen from 5pm Saturday to 8.30am Sunday, while 117mm fell over an 11-hour period from 9pm Saturday in Tasman's Collingwood. In the central North Island, South Taranaki, Whanganui and Manawatū will be under a wind watch till 3pm. Much of the Waikato was under a rain watch, and a heavy rain warning was in play till 5pm on Mount Taranaki. Bay of Plenty east of Ōpōtiki will be under a rain warning from 7pm tonight till 6am Monday, and in Auckland and Northland, rain and thunderstorm watches will be enforced from 7pm till 5am Monday. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
08-05-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Heavy Rain Warnings And Watches Across The Country
Forecast – MetService Covering period of Thursday 8th – Monday 12th May This morning, pockets of heavy rain have been observed across the South Island, with precipitation expected to continue throughout today and into tomorrow. Rain is expected to be heavy, especially in places already under a weather alert. A cold front advancing northward across the island will further intensify these conditions, sustaining both rainfall and strong winds. The frontal rainband will continue its northward progression during the day and into Friday, bringing a risk of thunderstorms in some areas. The following severe weather alerts have been issued for the next 24–36 hours. More details for each alert can be found on the MetService website: Orange Heavy Rain Warning for Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound, in effect until 9pm Thursday. Orange Heavy Rain Warning for the ranges of the Westland District, valid until 4am Friday. Orange Heavy Rain Warning for the headwaters of the Otago Lakes and Rivers, from 4pm Thursday to 1am Friday. Yellow Heavy Rain Watch for the headwaters of the Canterbury Lakes and Rivers, as well as over Nelson (Northwest of Motueka) and Richmond and Bryant Ranges, in place from 9pm Thursday to 7am Friday. Meanwhile, the North Island has experienced mostly settled weather this week. Areas north of Taihape reported cloudy skies and isolated showers today, while conditions further south have remained largely sunny and mild. A shift is expected on Friday, with increasing cloud cover, blustery northeast winds and more widespread rainfall anticipated across much of the island, with spots of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms. MetService has issued several Heavy Rain Warnings and Watches for parts of the North Island on Friday. Orange Heavy Rain Warning for Northland, in effect from 3:00am to 5:00pm Friday. Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Northland between 9am-5pm Friday. Orange Heavy Rain Warning for the Bay of Plenty (east of Whakatāne) and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti (north of Ruatōria), valid from 3:00pm Friday to 3:00am Saturday. Orange Heavy Rain Warning for Tongariro National Park, expected from 8:00am to 8:00pm Friday. Orange Heavy Rain Warning for Mount Taranaki/Taranaki Maunga, valid from midnight Thursday to 3:00pm Friday. Yellow Rain Watch for Auckland, including Great Barrier Island, in effect from 6:00am to 6:00pm Friday. Yellow Rain Watch for the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty west of Whakatāne (including the Kaimai Range), Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, and Taupō, valid from 8:00am to 8:00pm Friday. Yellow Rain Watch for areas north of Taranaki, from midnight Thursday to 6:00pm Friday. Despite the unsettled end to the week, conditions are forecast to improve over the weekend, with fine and mild weather expected across much of the country. Mother's Day is shaping up to be settled and sunny for most, though some regions may experience morning cloud or fog. MetService forecaster Kgolofelo Dube advises the public to remain informed by checking the latest forecasts and to follow official guidance, especially in areas currently under weather watches or warnings.
Scoop
08-05-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Heavy Rain Warnings And Watches Across The Country
Covering period of Thursday 8th - Monday 12th May This morning, pockets of heavy rain have been observed across the South Island, with precipitation expected to continue throughout today and into tomorrow. Rain is expected to be heavy, especially in places already under a weather alert. A cold front advancing northward across the island will further intensify these conditions, sustaining both rainfall and strong winds. The frontal rainband will continue its northward progression during the day and into Friday, bringing a risk of thunderstorms in some areas. The following severe weather alerts have been issued for the next 24–36 hours. More details for each alert can be found on the MetService website: Orange Heavy Rain Warning for Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound, in effect until 9pm Thursday. Orange Heavy Rain Warning for the ranges of the Westland District, valid until 4am Friday. Orange Heavy Rain Warning for the headwaters of the Otago Lakes and Rivers, from 4pm Thursday to 1am Friday. Yellow Heavy Rain Watch for the headwaters of the Canterbury Lakes and Rivers, as well as over Nelson (Northwest of Motueka) and Richmond and Bryant Ranges, in place from 9pm Thursday to 7am Friday. Meanwhile, the North Island has experienced mostly settled weather this week. Areas north of Taihape reported cloudy skies and isolated showers today, while conditions further south have remained largely sunny and mild. A shift is expected on Friday, with increasing cloud cover, blustery northeast winds and more widespread rainfall anticipated across much of the island, with spots of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms. MetService has issued several Heavy Rain Warnings and Watches for parts of the North Island on Friday. Orange Heavy Rain Warning for Northland, in effect from 3:00am to 5:00pm Friday. Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Northland between 9am-5pm Friday. Orange Heavy Rain Warning for the Bay of Plenty (east of Whakatāne) and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti (north of Ruatōria), valid from 3:00pm Friday to 3:00am Saturday. Orange Heavy Rain Warning for Tongariro National Park, expected from 8:00am to 8:00pm Friday. Orange Heavy Rain Warning for Mount Taranaki/Taranaki Maunga, valid from midnight Thursday to 3:00pm Friday. Yellow Rain Watch for Auckland, including Great Barrier Island, in effect from 6:00am to 6:00pm Friday. Yellow Rain Watch for the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty west of Whakatāne (including the Kaimai Range), Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, and Taupō, valid from 8:00am to 8:00pm Friday. Yellow Rain Watch for areas north of Taranaki, from midnight Thursday to 6:00pm Friday. Despite the unsettled end to the week, conditions are forecast to improve over the weekend, with fine and mild weather expected across much of the country. Mother's Day is shaping up to be settled and sunny for most, though some regions may experience morning cloud or fog. MetService forecaster Kgolofelo Dube advises the public to remain informed by checking the latest forecasts and to follow official guidance, especially in areas currently under weather watches or warnings.
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Severe Weather Brings A Suite Of Warnings For Both Islands
Forecast – MetService Covering period of Wednesday 30th – Friday 2 May Stormy conditions starting to impact New Zealand today will bring strong damaging winds, heavy rain and choppy seas over the next few days to various parts of the country. MetService has issued numerous Severe Weather Warnings and Watches. Widespread rain is currently affecting many parts of the North Island, with some areas experiencing heavy downpours. These conditions are forecast to become more persistent and spread further across the island by this afternoon (Wednesday). •A Orange Heavy Rain Warning is in place east of Bay of Plenty, from 10am today valid until 3pm tomorrow. •Heavy Rain Watches have been issued for Bay of Plenty and Southern Wairarapa until Wednesday evening. Wellington is also on Watch from 6pm Wednesday until 3pm Friday. •Strong to gale-force winds are expected along the Wairarapa and Wellington coastlines, generating rough seas and wave heights of up to 7 metres on Thursday afternoon and a Heavy Swell Warning has been issued. •Strong Wind Watch for Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, and north of Hamilton in Waikato, from 7am to noon Thursday. Conditions in Wellington over the next day and a half will be something to keep a close eye on, as a combination of wet weather, very strong southerly winds, and large waves are expected. The winds are of particular interest. While Wellingtonians are no strangers to blustery days, this event stands out due to the unusually strong southerlies, with gusts of 130 km/h possible. This means that trees and structures that may be accustomed to very strong winds from the north may be more vulnerable to strong winds from the south, making them more prone to damage. These winds will also be whipping up large waves, which may impact travel along coastal roads on Thursday. South Island •An Orange Heavy Rain Warning for the Kaikōura Coast and ranges plus areas of Canterbury north of Timaru, easing from 6pm Thursday. •Orange Road Snowfall Warnings for Porters, Arthur's, Lewis and Lindis Pass are in force into Thursday. •An Orange Heavy Snow Warning for Canterbury High Country, south of the Rangitata River, in place from 9pm tonight (Wednesday) through to 9am on Thursday. •Yellow Strong Wind Watches for Buller, Grey, Westland, Nelson Lakes Districts (from noon today), and the Marlborough Sounds (from 6pm today through Thursday afternoon). The South Island is currently experiencing cloudy and wet conditions, with more rain forecast through to Thursday. For the eastern South Island, this could be a significant weather event, with large amounts of rainfall expected between today and Friday. For regions under Orange Heavy Rain Warnings, possible impacts include areas of flooding, slips, and hazardous driving conditions. MetService meteorologist Kgolofelo Dube says, With the hazardous weather conditions approaching, we strongly encourage all New Zealanders to stay informed by regularly checking the MetService app or website, as well as updates from local Civil Defence and council channels.' Friday looks to be a better day, with rain easing in most areas across the country. However, eastern parts of the North Island and the north-eastern South Island may still experience heavy rain and strong winds.
NZ Herald
30-04-2025
- Climate
- NZ Herald
Auckland braces for severe winds, thunderstorms; monster 10m swells cancel Cook Strait ferries
MetService said the storm 'could be a significant weather event, with large amounts of rainfall expected between today and Friday' for the east of the South Island in particular. MetService meteorologist Kgolofelo Dube said the heavy rain could mean further localised flooding, slips and poor driving conditions. Unsettled weather conditions are expected to continue throughout today and into tomorrow. The following are newly issued and updated weather alerts. For comprehensive information on each alert, please visit our website at Click here… — MetService (@MetService) April 29, 2025 There is a moderate chance of thunderstorms for the upper North Island this afternoon including Northland, Auckland, Waikato and the Coromandel. Severe wind gusts are also tipped to strike Auckland at rush hour tomorrow morning, with a heavy wind watch coming into force at 7am. 'Damaging' 130km/h winds for Wellington, 10m swells cancel ferries Cook Strait ferries have been cancelled until Saturday because of monster 10-metre swells caused by the severe winds. A strong wind warning will begin for coastal areas of Wairarapa at 9am and last 15 hours. In Wellington, the watch will begin at 3am and last for 21 hours. As a rule of thumb, big wind 🌬️ = big waves 🌊. Significant wave heights are forecast to reach 7-10 meters offshore. Combined with a King Tide, the risk for coastal erosion & possible flooding is elevated. Stay up-to-date with marine forecasts & warnings from @MetService. — NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) April 29, 2025 MetService said the wind, an unusually strong southerly, threatened trees which were typically only at risk from northerlies. 'This means that trees ... may be more vulnerable ... making them more prone to damage.' MetService has also issued the watch for Marlborough Sounds, Horowhenua and Kāpiti Coast, inland areas of Wairarapa, the Tararua District, and Hawke's Bay south of Hastings tomorrow. The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research reported gusts may reach 120km/h in some places. MetService said winds could hit 130km/h. Across the Cook Strait, the same watch will begin for Coastal Marlborough south of Blenheim, including the Kaikōura Coast at 1am and last for 21 hours. MetService is urging these communities to prepare for trees and powerlines to be damaged and to tie down any unsecured structures like trampolines. Damaging wind is a real concern for parts of the lower North Island, including Wellington, later today & Thursday. Gusts may reach 120+ km/h. Likely impacts include: 🌬️ Damage to trees 🌬️ Risk of power cuts 🌬️ Difficult travel Stay on top of weather warnings from @MetService. — NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) April 29, 2025 'I can imagine that as well there'll be some kind of transportation issues with those strong winds,' Dube said. A strong wind watch will begin at 7am for Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, and Waikato north of Hamilton, with warnings the westerly winds may turn to severe gales in exposed areas. Cantabrians told to brace for 40 hours of rain Meanwhile, multiple regions in Canterbury were told to brace for close to 40 hours of rain, some even more. State Highway 1 at Greta Valley in North Canterbury was blocked about 1.20pm today due to a slip near Stonyhurst Rd. The Christchurch City Council said roads were flooded in New Brighton and Wainoni. A heavy rain warning was issued for the Kaikōura Coast and ranges, Canterbury about and north of Amberley, between Amberley and Timaru, including Christchurch and Banks Peninsula at 10am. In Kaikōura, residents have been warned to expect between 180-230mm of rain over 44 hours, those north of Amberley should expect between 160-210mm over 35 hours and 120-160mm is forecast for Christchurch and Banks Peninsula over 32 hours. Along with the heavy rain, snow is also expected to fall as the wintry blast sends temperatures plummeting. Dube said cold fronts passing over the country from the south were the driving force behind the dropping temperatures. Advertise with NZME. A heavy snow warning is in place for Canterbury high country south of the Rangitata River, with MetService telling residents to expect 12-20cm of snow to settle above 800m, with lesser amounts down to 700m. A road snowfall warning will begin tonight for Arthur's Pass (SH73), Porters Pass (SH73) and Lindis Pass (SH8) and tomorrow morning for Lewis Pass (SH7). Three to 5cm of snow is expected to settle on the roads near the summit, with lesser amounts lower than 700m. A heavy rain watch is in place for Bay of Plenty about and west of Ōpōtiki and Wairarapa. The same warning will apply for Wellington tonight at 6pm and last for 45 hours.
