Kiwis have been warned of a "hairy few days" of unsettled weather in the lead up to Christmas, driven by warm, moist air bringing widespread rain and gusty northwest winds.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has issued road warnings for several key routes in the Wellington region, including Transmission Gully, urging travellers to take extra care on the roads in the lead up to Christmas.
As of 6am Tuesday, visibility was reduced along State Highway 1 between Linden and Paekākāriki, with motorists advised to turn on headlights, increase following distances and be prepared for unexpected hazards.
"With weather conditions changing quickly, drivers should slow down and drive to the conditions," NZTA said.
Drivers heading over the Remutaka Hill were also urged to show caution due to strong winds.
Heavy rain and strong northwest winds were forecast to affect parts of central New Zealand as a front moved east from the Tasman Sea, crossing the South Island on Monday night before reaching the North Island.
MetService said parts of the North Island could expect rain throughout Tuesday, particularly west of Taupō, before clearing by Wednesday.
For Wellington, Wairarapa and southern parts of Hawke’s Bay, MetService said wind would be the main concern, with strong northwesterly winds expected to develop from Tuesday morning, particularly in exposed areas.
Heavy rain watches were issued for:
- The hills and ranges of Waikato and Waitomo near the coast, from Raglan southwards, from 11am Tuesday until 9am Wednesday. Periods of heavy rain are expected, with rainfall totals possibly nearing warning levels.
- The Tararua Range, from 2am to noon Tuesday, where heavy rain could also approach warning criteria.
Both areas had a moderate chance of being upgraded to a heavy rain warning.
Strong wind watches were issued for:
- Wairarapa (including the Tararua District north of Martinborough) and southern Hawke’s Bay, from 8am to 5pm Tuesday, where west to northwest winds may reach severe gale strength in exposed areas.
- Wellington and southern Wairarapa, from 6am to 1pm Tuesday, with northwest winds also expected to approach severe gale in exposed locations.
MetService said there was a moderate chance the wind watches could be upgraded to warnings, and people were advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts.
What to expect on Christmas Day
Looking ahead to Christmas Day, MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley said conditions would be mixed, depending on where you are.
"Most North Islanders will be able to get outside to test their new presents on Christmas Day," Pawley said.
"People north of Waikato might need a backup plan for some inside time, as showers arriving from the north could sprinkle on their celebrations."
On the West Coast of the South Island, Christmas Day was shaping up to be more of an indoor occasion, with further rain forecast and the potential for heavy falls later in the day.
Winds were also expected to strengthen through the Canterbury High Country. Those chasing sunshine and warmer temperatures were advised to head east, with Hastings forecast to reach 30°C and largely blue skies across Hawke’s Bay.
Christchurch and Kaikōura were expected to reach around 26°C, though increasing northwest winds may bring some high cloud.
MetService said its forecast team would be monitoring conditions closely throughout the Christmas holiday period, and people should continue checking for updates as the weather system moves through.
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