Heavy rain and severe gales forecast for New Zealand weekend

Friday 21 August 2026 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Fri 21 Aug, 2:17pm

In this story MetService

MetService has issued orange warnings for heavy rain, snow, and winds gusting up to 120km/h across parts of both islands. While the North Island may experience spring-like temperatures, the West Coast and South Island face risks of flooding, slips, and damaging winds.

How they headlined it

3h

10:51am2:17pm

1. 1NewsFri 21 Aug, 10:51am

   'A taster of spring': Fronts bring heavy rain, gales (opens in new tab)

2. StuffFri 21 Aug, 10:56am

   Heavy rain, 120kmh gales and snow to hit as wild weekend weather arrives (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldFri 21 Aug, 11:10am

   North Island ‘best spot to be’ this weekend as south faces severe weather, warnings issued over 120km/h winds (opens in new tab)

4. The Press via RNZFri 21 Aug, 2:17pm

   Series of fronts moving over South Island will bring heavy rain and wind (opens in new tab)