A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for portions of the North Island, beginning this afternoon. The forecast indicates potential for thunderstorms between 1pm and 9pm today. Storms Expected Across Multiple Regions The affected areas include inland Bay of Plenty (east of Rotorua), eastern Taupō, inland Gisborne, and the Wairoa District. MetService reports these thunderstorms … Read more
Residents across the North Island of New Zealand observed an unusual atmospheric display today: a 22⁰ circular halo around the sun. A Common, Yet Striking, Phenomenon The MetService shared an image of the halo on social media, explaining it was created by light refracting through hexagonal prism-shaped ice crystals in a thin veil of high … Read more
Severe storms brought flash flooding to streets in Wairoa on Saturday, prompting a series of severe thunderstorm watches and heavy rain warnings across the North Island. The disruption began with a severe thunderstorm warning issued for Wairoa at 11am, renewed twice before being lifted in the early afternoon. According to MetService, conditions were “favourable for … Read more
Severe weather sweeping across the lower North Island and upper South Island has left thousands without power and prompted water conservation notices for residents in Horowhenua. The storm, which caused disruption across the upper North Island yesterday, brought heavy rain and strong winds to a wide swathe of the country. Widespread Disruptions Widespread power outages … Read more
A powerful low-pressure system is sweeping across New Zealand, bringing widespread disruption as 2025 draws to a close. Weather alerts have been upgraded to warnings for much of the North Island and the northern South Island, threatening to impact summer plans and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Widespread Warnings and Disruptions Orange heavy rain and strong … Read more
Christmas Day weather across the country is shaping up to be a mixed bag, with some regions poised for warm, sunny celebrations while others may need to move festivities indoors. Forecasters predict a range of conditions, from “good barbecue weather” to potential rainfall. Regional Outlook MetService meteorologist Dan Corrigan indicated that areas from Wellington through … Read more
New Zealanders are bracing for several days of unsettled weather leading up to Christmas, as a weather system brings widespread rain and strong, gusty northwest winds. The conditions are prompting travel advisories and cautions for those planning to be on the road. Travel Disruptions Expected NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has issued warnings for key … Read more
A wet and blustery start to the week is forecast for parts of New Zealand’s South Island, with MetService issuing multiple orange‑level heavy‑rain and strong‑wind warnings and watches for Monday. What the MetService is warning about MetService says an active front, preceded by strong moist northerlies, will move across the South Island on Monday, followed by … Read more
South Island Weather Alert: Brace Yourselves for Wild Weather This Weekend! Kiwis in the South Island, enjoy that sunshine while it lasts! A significant weather system is heading your way, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. MetService has issued orange heavy rain watches and strong wind warnings for much of the South Island and even … Read more
New Zealand Weather: Expect More Wild, Wet Winters – Is This the New Normal? A Season of Soaked Records: July 2025 Rainfall Recap Last month brought exceptionally wet conditions to many parts of New Zealand. 1News meteorologist Dan Corbett confirmed that numerous regions experienced rainfall totals significantly above their usual averages for July. In many … Read more