Rain clouds gather from Northland to central regions
The North Island is in for another rough stretch of weather, with heavy rain and rolling thunderstorms expected to spread across large parts of the island over the next day. MetService says Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and the central plateau could all see intense bursts of rain as the system pushes through.
Forecasters warn the rain may arrive quickly and fall heavily at times, raising the risk of surface flooding in urban streets, rural roads, and low lying communities. Thunderstorms could also bring sharp wind gusts and brief hail during the worst of the weather.
Flooding and difficult driving likely in some areas
Emergency managers are keeping a close watch on places that have already seen saturated ground in recent days. More rain on top of that could lead to fast runoff, swollen streams, and water pooling across busy roads. Drivers may face sudden hazards, especially after dark when visibility drops.
People travelling through hilly areas and exposed highways are asked to take extra care. Slips remain possible where the ground is soft, and strong winds may bring down branches or power lines in some districts.
Communities asked to stay alert as conditions shift
Local councils and response teams are preparing for spot fires, blocked drains, and short power outages if storms hit hard. School leaders, event organisers, and farmers are also keeping an eye on forecasts as weather patterns remain unsettled.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items, clear gutters where possible, and avoid driving through flooded roads. Conditions can change quickly during storm events, especially when heavy downpours develop without much warning.
What to expect over the next day
Weather watchers expect the system to drift east as the day goes on, with the risk of local downpours continuing into the evening for some regions. While not every town will see the worst of it, those that do could experience sudden heavy rain over short periods.
Staying informed through MetService updates, council alerts, and local news will help households and businesses respond early as the weather shifts. Stay connected with FindNZ for continued updates and insights.
