MetService has issued orange heavy rain warnings for both regions, with thunderstorms expected to deliver localised downpours.
New Zealand
10:20am
Parts of the South Island are welcoming the New Year with heavy rain warnings and severe thunderstorm watches.
Thursday 11:00am
Severe thunderstorms are forecast from Whangārei to Wairarapa this New Year’s Eve, with Auckland, Hamilton, Whanganui and Palmerston North in the firing line.
December 31, 2025
After a soggy start, festivalgoers at Rhythm and Vines can expect to spend the next two days drying up in a gentle breeze.
Business
Scientists identified 157 extreme weather events as most severe in 2025, meaning they met criteria such as causing more than 100 deaths.
World
December 30, 2025
Strong winds and heavy rain have left thousands without power, disrupted travel, and forced Foxton residents to urgently conserve water as crews race to restore services.
5:36
A stubborn low-pressure system brings rain, gales and thunderstorms to much of the country, warns 1News meteorologist Dan Corbett.
Safety experts warn heat stress can impair judgement and increase injury risk, urging companies to treat heat management as essential, not optional.
December 29, 2025
2:03
Orange warnings for heavy rain and gales cover much of NZ as a powerful low sweeps through, threatening summer plans and New Year festivities.
2:32
MetService warns of dangerous conditions as an active low brings up to 180mm of rain and gusts of 120km/h.
December 28, 2025
MetService has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for several parts of the South Island.
December 27, 2025
Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington were under weather watches.
December 26, 2025
Forecasters are predicting a mixed bag of weather on Christmas Day, with warm temperatures for some, and rain for others.
December 24, 2025
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has issued road warnings for several key routes, urging travellers to take extra care on the roads in the lead up to Christmas.
December 23, 2025
Although MetService said the current forecast may change, one place is the most likely to have great weather on the big day.
December 18, 2025
The east coast is shaping up to be the place to be.
December 17, 2025
MetService said the thunderstorms bring the risk of localised heavy rain between 10 to 25 mm/h, and hail between 5 and 20mm in diameter.
December 16, 2025
Multiple orange heavy rain and strong wind warnings and watches have been issued for Monday.
December 14, 2025
After a direct lightning hit in September, the radar was out for an "extended period" as its badly-damaged protective dome was replaced with another.
December 12, 2025
MetService meteorologist Heather Keats said there was a high-pressure system moving in from the west which is "what we want for the weekend".
MetService says a thundery Thursday will eventually give way to a calm weekend for most parts of the country.
December 11, 2025
MetService meteorologist Heather Keats said a heat alert has been issued for a Hawke's Bay city as one is lifted for a South Island town.
December 8, 2025
Temperatures are set to rise to the low 40s in parts of Sydney and NSW as heatwave warnings are issued for multiple, heavily populated areas.
December 6, 2025
MetService is forecasting a lovely weekend for most of the country following a week that "had it all" including a tornado, heavy rain and lots of lightning.
December 5, 2025
How do thunderstorms like this week’s fit into the mix – and what does a warming climate mean for them?
December 4, 2025
