Weather
Second weather front to bring more wind and rain
Wet and windy conditions are expected to continue across much of New Zealand as a second weather front moves up the South Island. While the front will bring rain and strong winds, meteorologists say it may not be as significant as the weather experienced earlier in the week.
2 outlets · Strong winds cause disruption in Wellington
Gale-force winds buffeted Wellington on Monday, causing flight cancellations, power outages, and fallen trees. MetService recorded a peak wind gust of 148km/h on Mt Kaukau. The weather caused significant travel chaos, with some passengers requiring multiple attempts to complete flights into the capital.
2 outlets · Severe winds and heavy rain sweep across New Zealand
An active weather front has brought heavy rain and severe gales to much of the South Island, including a 200km/h wind gust at Mount Hutt. The storm has caused the closure of Milford Road and parts of the Wellington waterfront. The front is expected to move towards the North Island on Tuesday.
+26 outlets · Severe winds and heavy rain forecast as firefighters battle bushfires
Strong winds and heavy rain are expected to lash parts of New Zealand. Firefighters are currently battling bushfires, including a vegetation fire that caused evacuations in Roxburgh. Northwest gales could reach 130km/h in exposed areas, while heavy rain warnings remain for the Tararua Ranges.
2 outlets · Heavy rain and gales forecast for South Island on Monday
An active weather front is expected to sweep across the South Island on Monday and early Tuesday morning. MetService has issued heavy rain warnings for areas including Westland and Fiordland, while Waka Kotahi has urged motorists to take care during return journeys.
+26 outlets · Fog causes 15 domestic flight cancellations at Auckland Airport
Fog restrictions implemented at 6:33am on Saturday caused significant disruption to domestic regional services at Auckland Airport. A total of 15 domestic flights were cancelled and 15 others were delayed. International flights were not affected by the weather conditions.
3 outlets · Warm start to Labour weekend followed by rain and wind
A warm and sunny start to the long weekend will see temperatures reaching near 30C in some areas. However, MetService warns that heavy rain and strong winds are expected to arrive on Labour Day, potentially disrupting travel, particularly across the South Island.
3 outlets · Rain washes out final T20 between White Ferns and Australia
The third and final T20 international between the White Ferns and Australia in Sydney was abandoned due to rain. Australia secured a 2-0 series victory after winning the first two matches. New Zealand was 11 for two when play was stopped in the third over.
4 outlets · Canterbury prepares for El Niño summer as drought concerns grow
Canterbury farmers are bracing for potentially harsh summer conditions as El Niño strengthens. While some farmers recall devastating past droughts, authorities say the region's open-coast beaches are unlikely to see degraded water quality this season.
2 outlets · Warm and sunny weather forecast for South Island Labour weekend
Christchurch and the South Island are expected to experience warm, sunny weather over the Labour long weekend. Temperatures in Christchurch may reach 27C, which is 10C above the seasonal average. This weather coincides with sporting events expected to draw over 68,000 people to the region.
3 outlets · Long-range weather forecaster Ken Ring dies after short illness
Ken Ring, a controversial weather forecaster known as the "Moon Man" for his lunar-based predictions, has died following a short illness. His family announced his passing on social media, describing him as a much-loved father and grandfather.
2 outlets · Warm and settled weather forecast for much of New Zealand
A slow-moving high-pressure system over the Tasman Sea is expected to bring sunshine and rising temperatures across the country. These settled conditions are forecast to continue through the start of Labour Weekend.
2 outlets · Next government will face significant natural hazard challenges
Regardless of election themes, the incoming government will have to address natural hazards. These risks impact the economy, health, insurance premiums, and building locations, following events such as the 2023 Auckland floods which resulted in over $2 billion in insured losses.
2 outlets · Vegetation fire near Whenuapai airbase contained
A large vegetation fire caused by an out-of-control burn off has been contained in Whenuapai. The blaze broke out on Trigg Road around 4.10pm on Monday, sending thick smoke over parts of northwest Auckland.
3 outlets · Aitutaki activates emergency centre as Tropical Cyclone Wati approaches
The Aitutaki Island Council has activated its emergency operations centre as category 2 Tropical Cyclone Wati moves southeast towards the Southern Cook Islands. The system is expected to cause deteriorating conditions in the area over the coming days. The cyclone formed earlier this week in the Southwest Pacific.
2 outlets · Frosty starts and chilly nights forecast for parts of New Zealand
A high-pressure system moving from the Tasman Sea will bring dry and sunny conditions to much of the country this weekend. Despite the daytime sunshine, MetService warns that temperatures are expected to drop sharply overnight, resulting in frosty starts for some regions.
2 outlets · Hastings businessman gifts house to family affected by cyclone
Businessman Jeremy Hanaray has gifted a two-flat stucco house to a long-standing customer's family who lost their home during a cyclone. Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum praised the act of generosity as the city continues its recovery process.
3 outlets · Up to 11 tropical cyclones forecast for Southwest Pacific
Earth Sciences New Zealand predicts between seven and 11 named tropical cyclones for the Southwest Pacific this season. Driven by El Niño, at least four storms may reach severe Category 3 strength or higher. The cyclone season is expected to begin on 1 November.
4 outlets · State Highway 3 reopens through Awakino Gorge after flooding
State Highway 3 has reopened through the Awakino Gorge following heavy rain and flooding. The road north of New Plymouth had previously closed between Mokau and Mahoenui, with stop/go traffic management implemented to manage delays.
2 outlets · Temperatures to drop as cold southerly front moves north
A cold southerly flow is expected to cause temperatures to plummet by as much as 16C. MetService has issued watches for heavy rain and snow, with snow possible on South Island highways and the Desert Road.
2 outlets · Heavy rain and strong winds forecast for parts of New Zealand
A slow-moving weather front is bringing heavy rain and strong winds across much of the country. An orange heavy rain warning was issued for Buller, while persistent rain has been forecast for the West Coast and Canterbury. Temperatures are expected to drop following the wet weather.
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