Severe Weather Warnings and Watches

Issued by MetService at 8:04pm Saturday 31 May 2025

West to southwest gales for parts of the country

A strong west to southwest flow affects the country this weekend, including the Chatham Islands.
Warnings and Watches for severe gales are in place.

Please keep up to date with the latest forecasts.


Strong Wind Warning - Orange

Area: Chatham Islands

Period: 19hrs from 8:00pm Saturday 31 May 2025 to 3:00pm Sunday 1 Jun 2025

Forecast: Severe gale west to southwest winds gusting 130 km/h. Squally thunderstorms possible.
Heavy southwest swells are also expected along exposed coasts.
Minimal 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.

Area: Hawke's Bay, from Napier southwards and the Tararua District

Period: 2hrs from 8:00pm Saturday 31 May 2025 to 10:00pm Saturday 31 May 2025

Forecast: Severe gale westerlies gusting 130 km/h in exposed places.
Minimal 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.


An update for severe weather will be issued by: 10:00am Sunday 1 Jun 2025

A service provided through a contract with the Crown

Action advice supplied by the National Emergency Management Agency.

(C) Copyright Meteorological Service of New Zealand Ltd 2025

Road Snowfall

There are no road snowfall warnings for Arthur's Pass (SH73), Crown Range Road, Desert Road (SH1), Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1), Haast Pass (SH6), Lewis Pass (SH7), Lindis Pass (SH8), Milford Road (SH94), Napier-Taupo Road (SH5), Porters Pass (SH73), Remutaka Hill Road (SH2).

Thunderstorm Warning

No Severe Thunderstorm Warnings In Effect

Thunderstorm Watch

No Severe Thunderstorm Watches In Effect