Severe Weather Warnings and Watches

Issued by MetService at 9:34am Monday 22 Dec 2025

Period of heavy rain and northwest gales for central New Zealand

A front from over the Tasman Sea is expected to move over the South Island today and the North Island during Tuesday, bringing a period of rain and strong northwest winds to central New Zealand.

Watches for heavy rain and possible severe northwest winds have been issued.

People are advised to keep up to date with latest forecasts.

Heavy Rain Watch - Yellow

Area: Coastal hills and ranges of the Buller and Grey districts between Karamea and Greymouth

Period: 9hrs from 9:00pm Monday 22 Dec 2025 to 6:00am Tuesday 23 Dec 2025

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: Tararua Range

Period: 10hrs from 2:00am Tuesday 23 Dec 2025 to 12:00pm Tuesday 23 Dec 2025

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: Hills and ranges of Waikato and Waitomo near the coast from Raglan southwards

Period: 21hrs from 12:00pm Tuesday 23 Dec 2025 to 9:00am Wednesday 24 Dec 2025

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Strong Wind Watch - Yellow

Area: Wairarapa about and north of Martinborough and Hawke's Bay south of Hastings

Period: 12hrs from 6:00am Tuesday 23 Dec 2025 to 6:00pm Tuesday 23 Dec 2025

Forecast: West to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Area: Wellington, also Wairarapa south of Martinborough

Period: 6hrs from 6:00am Tuesday 23 Dec 2025 to 12:00pm Tuesday 23 Dec 2025

Forecast: Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

An update for severe weather will be issued by: 9:00pm Monday 22 Dec 2025

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