Early December North Island thunderstorms

The story so far

An active low-pressure system was forecast to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds to much of the North Island, and MetService warned of possible hail and tornadoes.^{2 Dec 2025} On 2 December the system brought thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds to the North Island, and more than 3500 lightning strikes were recorded.^{3 Dec 2025} A tornado was reported in Manawatū, where it knocked over a caravan, and MetService issued various watches and warnings for several regions.^{3 Dec 2025} By 3 December, thunderstorms were occurring across the country as heat, humidity and unstable air combined, and a geography professor explained that the storms form when warm, moist air rises into cooler layers.^{3 Dec 2025}

Latest

Thunderstorms have spread across the country, and the storms are being linked to the arrival of summer.^{3 Dec 2025}

What's next

More unsettled weather was expected after the system's arrival in the North Island.^{2 Dec 2025}

Key moments

1. 2 Dec 2025Severe thunderstorm warning for Waikato and Bay of Plenty lifted
2. 3 Dec 2025More than 3500 lightning strikes recorded across the North Island
3. 3 Dec 2025Tornado reported in Manawatū knocks over a caravan
4. 3 Dec 2025Thunderstorms across the country signal the arrival of summer

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.