Strong winds, thunderstorms forecast to lash New Zealand during final winter weekend
MetService forecaster Michael Pauley told the Herald a region of unstable air would move on to New Zealand today.
“There are quite a few thunderstorm risks around, with some hail where some of them could be squally,” he said. “We’re expecting some strong wind gusts.”
Pauley said the unsettled weather would affect the western regions of New Zealand.
“Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, down through Waitomo, Waikato, Whanganui and the Tararua District,” he said.
MetService issued a strong wind watch for the Hawke’s Bay south of Napier, the Tararua District, and Wairarapa north of Martinborough from 6am until 8pm.
“We’re expecting heavy showers and also snow to lower on some of the South Island mountain roads.”
MetService has issued road snowfall warnings for Crown Range Rd and Milford Rd from early today until this afternoon.
Pauley said the strong westerly winds and possible thunderstorms in the North Island were forecast to ease by evening.
However, the winds and rain are forecast to return during the last weekend of winter.
Pauley said New Zealand tended to get stuck in spring’s westerly flow.
“We are expecting those showers to continue during the weekend. Because it is unstable, there is a risk it will be heavy,” he said.
“The way that the winds are blowing means the southerly flow will continue into the weekend. Western regions can continue to get a bit wet throughout Saturday and Sunday.”
MetService has also forecast heavy southwest swells, with heights between 5 and 6.5m to develop for the western coastlines of the country throughout Sunday.
Pauley said North Island temperatures would reach mid to high teens then fall to the low teens.
Auckland is forecast to hit a high of 17C and fall to a low of 11C, while Hamilton will be chillier with a high of 15C and a low of 7C.
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Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
Have you seen Rowena?
Police are urgently appealing for sightings of Rowena, 39, reported missing from Christchurch.
She was reported missing to Police on 22 October 2025, and was last seen on 14 August 2025. Rowena hasn’t been in contact with her children and her family are worried for her safety.
Police investigating her disappearance have identified her as being in Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch in the recent months prior to her missing person report being made.
If you have seen Rowena, or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact us immediately.
You can contact us via 105 either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” and referencing file number 251022/9026.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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