May 2025 weekend weather warnings

The story so far

An active low-pressure system from the Tasman Sea was expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to much of the South Island from Saturday, though Otago and Southland might avoid the worst conditions, and the unsettled weather was forecast to move towards the North Island on Sunday.^{16 May 2025} Wellington was hit by strong winds, with gusts over 100kph recorded at Kelburn, and MetService issued an orange strong wind warning for the capital.^{18 May 2025}

Latest

Wellington has been hit by strong winds, with gusts over 100kph recorded at Kelburn and an orange strong wind warning in force.^{18 May 2025} Heavy rain and thunderstorms were also expected in parts of the North Island, particularly the eastern Bay of Plenty.^{18 May 2025}

Key moments

1. 15 May 2025MetService issues heavy rain and strong wind watches for the weekend across the South Island.
2. 16 May 2025Low-pressure system forecast to bring heavy rain and strong winds from Saturday.
3. 17 May 2025Forecast wind gusts up to 120km/h for Wellington, with heavy rain warnings in Waikato and Manawatu-Wanganui.
4. 18 May 2025Gusts over 100kph recorded at Kelburn; orange strong wind warning issued for Wellington.

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