25/03/2026
UPDATED WEATHER WARNINGS 10AM WEDNESDAY
⚠️ RED HEAVY RAIN WARNING ISSUED ⚠️
⚠️ STRONG WIND WARNING ADDED ⚠️
Significant heavy rain and gales for parts of New Zealand
A deep sub-tropical low approaches New Zealand in the coming days, with heavy rain and strong northeast winds spreading to many regions from late today till Friday.
This will be an impactful multi-hazard event. The heaviest rain and largest amounts are likely in the upper North Island, especially from Northland to western Bay of Plenty where downpours, flooding, and slips are possible on Thursday and Friday. A RED HEAVY RAIN WARNING has been issued for Northland.
A period of large northeast waves is also expected with strong to gale-force winds. Heavy rain and strong winds will also affect parts of the South Island, especially for Tasman and the West Coast.
MetService urges everyone to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and severe weather information.
🔴Heavy Rain Warning - Red
Area: Northland east of Kaikohe from Doubtless Bay to Whangarei
Period: 36hrs from 4pm Wed, 25 Mar - 4am Fri, 27 Mar
Forecast: Expect 270 to 320 mm of rain. Peaks rates initially 15 to 25 mm/h, but increasing to 25 to 40 mm/h and possibly greater from Thursday afternoon through to early Friday morning. Thunderstorms possible from Thursday afternoon.
Impact: Threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding and slips.
Conditions will disrupt travel, make some roads impassable, and isolate communities.
Action: Do not enter floodwaters and avoid travel. Act quickly to self-evacuate if you see rising water. Be ready for power and communications outages.
🟠Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Area: Remainder of Northland not under a Red Warning
Period: 36hrs from 4pm Wed, 25 Mar - 4am Fri, 27 Mar
Forecast: Expect to 150 to 250 mm of rain. Peaks rates initially 15 to 25 mm/h, but increasing to 25 to 40 mm/h and possibly greater from Thursday afternoon through to early Friday morning. Thunderstorms possible from Thursday afternoon. High chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Dangerous river conditions, flooding, and slips likely. Dangerous driving conditions and road closures are expected.
Action: Do not enter floodwaters and avoid unnecessary travel. Be ready for communication and power outages. Be prepared to self-evacuate if you see rising water.
🟠 Strong Wind Warning - Orange
Area: Northland
Period: 26hrs from 9pm Wed, 25 Mar - 11pm Thu, 26 Mar
Forecast: Severe gale east to northeast winds gusting 120 km/h in exposed places. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Action: Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously.
