Key Takeaways:
- An active low-pressure system is bringing severe weather to the North Island and top of the South Island, with heavy rain and strong wind warnings in effect.
- The Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, and Hawke’s Bay are experiencing the most intense and persistent rain, with orange heavy rain warnings continuing through Tuesday.
- Gale southeasterlies are spreading across the North Island and northwest of the South Island, bringing orange strong wind warnings into effect in several regions.
- The driest place to ring in the New Year is expected to be the far south of the country, while the rainiest is western central New Zealand.
- Residents are advised to have a "plan B" for their New Year’s festivities and keep a keen eye on the forecast and radar.
Introduction to the Severe Weather
The year 2025 is ending with a bang as a low-pressure system crosses the country, bringing severe weather and disrupting many Kiwis’ summer plans. The North Island and the top of the South Island are under orange heavy rain and strong wind warnings, with a mix of wind, rain, thunderstorms, and cooler temperatures expected. The severe weather has already caused disruptions, with all lanes on the Auckland Harbour Bridge temporarily closed in both directions due to severe wind gusts. The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has advised motorists to delay their journey or detour via SH18/SH16 (Western Ring Route) until the gusts become less severe.
Weather Warnings and Watches
MetService meteorologist Katie Lyons said that while there is plenty to keep an eye on, there are also likely to be breaks for some parts of the country. A rainband moving south is bringing soggy conditions to the upper North Island, with the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, and Hawke’s Bay receiving the most intense and persistent deluge. Orange heavy rain warnings are continuing through until Tuesday for some regions, with heavy rain watches issued for the Bay of Plenty west of Rotorua, the Tararua District, and Wairarapa, and the Kaikoura Coast. Gale southeasterlies are also spreading across the North Island and northwest of the South Island, bringing orange strong wind warnings into effect in several regions, including the Coromandel, Waikato to Taranaki, and Taihape, and Manawatu south to Kapiti.
Impact on New Year’s Eve Celebrations
The severe weather has already caused disruptions to New Year’s Eve celebrations, with Tauranga City Council cancelling all five of its community celebrations due to forecast adverse weather. Power outages have also been reported, with PowerCo reporting outages affecting 375 properties in Carterton and 109 in Horopito, while Northpower said 422 customers lost power at Kaiwaka, 181 at Maungaturoto, 224 near Kaiwaka, and 235 at Mangawhai. Residents are advised to have a "plan B" for their New Year’s festivities and keep a keen eye on the forecast and radar. The driest place to ring in the New Year is expected to be the far south of the country, while the rainiest is western central New Zealand.
Weather Forecast
The MetService has issued a range of weather warnings and watches, including heavy rain warnings, strong wind warnings, and heavy rain watches. The Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, and Hawke’s Bay are under orange heavy rain warnings, with the Bay of Plenty west of Rotorua, the Tararua District, and Wairarapa, and the Kaikoura Coast under heavy rain watches. Gale southeasterlies are spreading across the North Island and northwest of the South Island, bringing orange strong wind warnings into effect in several regions. The MetService is advising residents to stay up to date with the latest forecast and warnings, and to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the severe weather.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the severe weather brought by the low-pressure system is expected to disrupt many Kiwis’ summer plans, with heavy rain and strong wind warnings in effect across the North Island and top of the South Island. Residents are advised to have a "plan B" for their New Year’s festivities and keep a keen eye on the forecast and radar. The MetService is providing regular updates on the weather warnings and watches, and residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe during the severe weather. With the driest place to ring in the New Year expected to be the far south of the country, and the rainiest western central New Zealand, residents are advised to be prepared for a wet and windy start to the new year.