Mid-September 2025 severe weather

The story so far

MetService forecast rain and strengthening winds for much of the country from Wednesday, after a period of sunny skies.^{15 Sep 2025} It issued several orange and yellow warnings for heavy rain and gale-force winds for the South Island and lower North Island, expected from late Tuesday through Thursday, following recent damaging winds.^{16 Sep 2025} High winds rolled a truck in Canterbury, requiring a rescue, and made plane landings difficult at Wellington Airport.^{17 Sep 2025} MetService warned of gusts up to 130km/h and significant rainfall.^{17 Sep 2025}

Latest

The severe weather has now hit the South Island and lower North Island, causing disruption to travel and flights. MetService warnings covered gusts of up to 130km/h and heavy rain.^{17 Sep 2025}

What's next

The warned conditions were expected to continue through Thursday.^{16 Sep 2025}

Key moments

1. 15 Sep 2025MetService forecasts rain and strengthening winds for much of the country from Wednesday
2. 16 Sep 2025Several orange and yellow warnings issued for heavy rain and gale-force winds
3. 17 Sep 2025Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds batter South and lower North Island
4. 17 Sep 2025High winds roll a truck in Canterbury, requiring a rescue
5. 17 Sep 2025Difficult plane landings reported at Wellington Airport amid high winds

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