Key Takeaways
- A heavy rain watch will be in place for the Bay of Plenty to the east of Whakatāne from 6pm, with a risk of upgrading to a warning near the ranges.
- The South Island will experience wet weather, with bands of rain falling from Nelson down the Southern Alps, through the West Coast down Fiordland, and thunderstorms possible in the lower regions.
- The North Island is expected to be the wetter of the two islands over the weekend, with a complex low-pressure system bringing significant wet weather.
- Lower temperatures could take hold in the South Island next week, with temperatures potentially hitting below average in some places.
- Those planning to go away for the New Year should prepare for changeable conditions, with erratic forecasts expected for most of the country.
Introduction to the Weather Forecast
The upcoming weather forecast indicates a significant amount of wet weather for various parts of New Zealand. A heavy rain watch will be in place for the Bay of Plenty to the east of Whakatāne from 6pm, with a risk that the rainfall might upgrade to a warning near the ranges. This suggests that residents in these areas should be prepared for potential flooding and other hazards associated with heavy rainfall. The South Island will also experience wet weather, with bands of rain falling from Nelson down the Southern Alps, through the West Coast down Fiordland, and thunderstorms possible in the lower regions.
South Island Weather Outlook
The South Island will have a moderate risk area for wet weather, particularly in Fiordland and the glaciers in Westland in the morning, and then the moderate risk area will push eastwards into the afternoon and evening for North Otago, Dunedin, Southland, and Clutha. Southland, Clutha, and Dunedin should expect some showers across the day, while the eastern ranges of the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch will have mostly fine weather. This variation in weather patterns across the South Island highlights the complexity of the forecast and the need for residents to stay informed about the latest developments.
North Island Weather Outlook
In contrast to the South Island, the North Island is expected to be the wetter of the two islands over the weekend, with a complex low-pressure system coming down from the tropics. This system could bring quite a lot of wet weather for the North Island, making it essential for residents to prepare for potential flooding and other hazards associated with heavy rainfall. The exact track of the low-pressure system will determine the extent of the wet weather, and residents should stay tuned for updates on the forecast.
Temperature Outlook
Lower temperatures could take hold in the South Island next week, with temperatures potentially hitting below average in some places. This cooldown could bring some relief from the wet weather, but it also highlights the need for residents to prepare for changing conditions. The temperature outlook is still uncertain, and residents should stay informed about the latest developments to ensure they are prepared for any eventuality.
New Year’s Forecast
Those planning to go away for the New Year should prepare for changeable conditions, with erratic forecasts expected for most of the country. While the West Coast of the South Island might be having an unexpectedly fine start to 2026, the rest of the country faces uncertain weather patterns. The low-pressure system tracking across the country will determine the extent of the wet weather, and residents should stay tuned for updates on the forecast to ensure they are prepared for any eventuality. As the meteorologist noted, "It’s still quite uncertain, to be honest, as we head to New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day," highlighting the need for residents to stay informed and prepared for changing conditions.