Severe thunderstorm warning lifted for North Island but more wild weather on the way

A severe thunderstorm warning for Bay of Plenty and Waikato has been lifted, but more wild weather is on the way for other parts of the country.

MetService had warned of severe thunderstorms, accompanied by torrential downpours, for South Waikato, Waipa, Taupo and Otorohanga this afternoon.

The warning was lifted just after 5pm.

For Aucklanders, the wild weather is on its way, with marble-sized hail, small tornadoes and heavy rain expected tomorrow.

A heavy rain watch is in place for 12 hours in Auckland, stretching all the way down to the upper areas of the Waikato, from 9am.

A strong wind watch is also in place for Northland and Auckland for 10 hours from 8am.

MetService is warning residents that there is a moderate chance for most of the day that there will be thunderstorms embedded with heavy rain, small hail and “a few small tornados”.

There is a risk of thunderstorms for much of the North Island tomorrow. Photo / MetService

MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden said the wild weather is being caused by a low developing over the Tasman Sea today, which would move towards the country this afternoon.

“That low deepens rapidly and pulls a warm, moist, sub-tropical airmass across the country during Tuesday afternoon and evening.

“It’ll bring widespread rain, strong southwesterly winds and the risk of thunderstorms for many parts of the North Island, including Northland, Auckland and Coromandel.”

🔭Outlook🔭 It may be the start of meteorological summer, but an active week is ahead. This week will bring a broad range of weather; heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and sunny spells to finish the week off.

A low is expected to move toward the country through Tuesday… pic.twitter.com/jTYkAXupBa

— MetService NZ (@MetService) December 1, 2025

A heavy rain warning is in place from 2am for 22 hours for the Bay of Plenty. Residents are being told to expect thunderstorms with heavy rain, with peak rates of 5 to 25mm/h, but possibly 25 to 40mm/h in localised areas.

Heavy rain watches are also in place for the central North Island areas of Waitomo, Taumarunui and Taupō, including Tongariro National Park and Taranaki, from the early hours of tomorrow morning for 12 hours.

The same watch is in place for Wairarapa and Wellington from midday for 21 hours.

Strong wind watches are also in place for Wellington and the Kāpiti Coast from 6pm, Wairarapa from 9pm and Taranaki from 10pm tomorrow.

Lynden said while the North Island is expected to bear the brunt of the weather, the South Island will also get its share of lashings.

A trough was expected to bring rain through last night and today, followed by cool southwesterlies.

“The upper parts of the South Island may also see a period of heavier rain on Wednesday associated with the low to the north.”

He said this low was due to move off the country tomorrow night and conditions were expected to ease.

“However, strong to gale southwesterly winds will persist, particularly for Wellington, Wairarapa, Northland and Auckland; they will keep the temperatures capped as we round out the week.”