Drivers brace for a turbulent few days as rain and wind sweep across New Zealand ahead of Christmas.
Kiwis are in for a wild ride as warm, moist air brings widespread rain and gusty northwest winds, making for an unsettled few days leading up to the festive season. The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has issued road warnings for key routes in the Wellington region, including Transmission Gully, urging drivers to take extra care.
As of 6 am on Tuesday, visibility was reduced along State Highway 1 between Linden and Paekākāriki, prompting motorists to turn on headlights, increase following distances, and prepare for unexpected hazards. The NZTA advised drivers to slow down and adapt to the changing weather conditions.
Drivers heading over the Remutaka Hill were also urged to exercise caution due to strong winds. Heavy rain and strong northwest winds are expected to affect central New Zealand as a front moves east from the Tasman Sea, crossing the South Island on Monday night before reaching the North Island.
MetService predicts rain throughout Tuesday, particularly west of Taupō, before clearing by Wednesday. For Wellington, Wairarapa, and southern Hawke’s Bay, wind will be the main concern, with strong northwesterly winds expected to develop from Tuesday morning, especially in exposed areas.
Heavy rain watches were issued for the hills and ranges of Waikato and Waitomo near the coast, from Raglan southwards, from 11 am on Tuesday until 9 am on Wednesday. Periods of heavy rain are expected, with rainfall totals possibly nearing warning levels.
The Tararua Range also had a heavy rain watch from 2 am to noon on Tuesday, with a moderate chance of being upgraded to a heavy rain warning.
Strong wind watches were issued for Wairarapa (including the Tararua District north of Martinborough) and southern Hawke’s Bay, from 8 am to 5 pm on Tuesday, where west to northwest winds may reach severe gale strength in exposed areas.
Wellington and southern Wairarapa had strong wind watches from 6 am to 1 pm on Tuesday, with northwest winds expected to approach severe gale in exposed locations.
MetService warned that there was a moderate chance the wind watches could be upgraded to warnings, and people were advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts.
Looking ahead to Christmas Day, conditions will be mixed, depending on your location. Most North Islanders will be able to enjoy the outdoors, testing their new presents. However, people north of Waikato might need a backup plan, as showers arriving from the north could dampen their celebrations.
On the West Coast of the South Island, Christmas Day will likely be an indoor affair, with further rain forecast and the potential for heavy falls later in the day. Winds are expected to strengthen through the Canterbury High Country, with Hastings reaching 30°C and blue skies across Hawke’s Bay.
Christchurch and Kaikōura are expected to reach around 26°C, though increasing northwest winds may bring some high cloud. MetService’s forecast team will be closely monitoring conditions throughout the Christmas holiday period, and people should continue checking for updates as the weather system moves through.
