Strong winds, thunderstorms forecast to lash New Zealand during final winter weekend
MetService forecaster Michael Pauley told the Herald a region of unstable air would move on to New Zealand today.
“There are quite a few thunderstorm risks around, with some hail where some of them could be squally,” he said. “We’re expecting some strong wind gusts.”
Pauley said the unsettled weather would affect the western regions of New Zealand.
“Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, down through Waitomo, Waikato, Whanganui and the Tararua District,” he said.
MetService issued a strong wind watch for the Hawke’s Bay south of Napier, the Tararua District, and Wairarapa north of Martinborough from 6am until 8pm.
“We’re expecting heavy showers and also snow to lower on some of the South Island mountain roads.”
MetService has issued road snowfall warnings for Crown Range Rd and Milford Rd from early today until this afternoon.
Pauley said the strong westerly winds and possible thunderstorms in the North Island were forecast to ease by evening.
However, the winds and rain are forecast to return during the last weekend of winter.
Pauley said New Zealand tended to get stuck in spring’s westerly flow.
“We are expecting those showers to continue during the weekend. Because it is unstable, there is a risk it will be heavy,” he said.
“The way that the winds are blowing means the southerly flow will continue into the weekend. Western regions can continue to get a bit wet throughout Saturday and Sunday.”
MetService has also forecast heavy southwest swells, with heights between 5 and 6.5m to develop for the western coastlines of the country throughout Sunday.
Pauley said North Island temperatures would reach mid to high teens then fall to the low teens.
Auckland is forecast to hit a high of 17C and fall to a low of 11C, while Hamilton will be chillier with a high of 15C and a low of 7C.
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Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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39.3% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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58.7% No, I enjoy it
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2% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Auckland has a thriving cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures across the country, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
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42.9% I avoid spending money on coffee
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40.9% I still indulge at my local cafe
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16.2% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
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