Atmospheric river and heavy rain warnings

The story so far

MetService forecast a warm, humid week as a tropical air mass moved towards New Zealand, with heavy rain warnings for parts of the North Island along with strong winds and heavy gales.^{17 Nov 2025} Heavy rain warnings were issued for the Bay of Plenty, the Coromandel Peninsula and Tongariro National Park, where a slow-moving trough was expected to bring wet and muggy conditions through the week.^{17 Nov 2025} An atmospheric river, driven by two converging weather systems, was expected to bring heavy downpours and muggy conditions to parts of the North and South islands, with warnings issued at both ends of the country.^{17 Nov 2025} The Bay of Plenty faced a flooding risk, with up to 200mm of rain forecast, and MetService issued several severe weather warnings and watches as the systems moved through.^{18 Nov 2025}

Latest

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council activated its flood room on Tuesday morning, and heavy rain warnings remain in place for parts of the North Island.^{19 Nov 2025} More rainfall is expected in the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne regions.^{19 Nov 2025}

What's next

More rainfall is expected in the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne regions.^{19 Nov 2025}

Key moments

1. 17 Nov 2025MetService forecasts warm, humid week with heavy rain warnings for North Island.
2. 17 Nov 2025Heavy rain warnings issued for Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and Tongariro National Park.
3. 17 Nov 2025Atmospheric river and converging systems bring heavy downpours to both islands.
4. 18 Nov 2025Bay of Plenty faces flooding risk, with up to 200mm of rain forecast.
5. 19 Nov 2025Bay of Plenty Regional Council activates flood room to monitor rivers.

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