A severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Auckland has been lifted as tempestuous festive season weather continues to cast a shadow over the holiday break.
MetService detected severe thunderstorms in the areas of Auckland City, Waitākere, Rodney, Gulf and Albany with heavy hail accompanying these.
Thunderstorms were moving southeast and are expected to lie near Auckland, Henderson, Manukau Heads, Clarks Beach, Āwhitu and Auckland Airport, but the warning for Auckland has now been lifted.
A severe thunderstorm warning was also in place for Northland until about 5.25pm after MetService radar detected thunderstorms near Tangiteroria and Maungakaramea, with the storms moving towards the southeast and expected to lie near Waiotira, Taipuha, Maungakaramea, Waikiekie, Waipū, Maungaturoto, Paparoa, Brynderwyn and Taipuha.
Mangawhai, Ruakākā, Waipū Cove and Marsden Point also came under this warning, which has now been lifted for all affected Northland areas.
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for Northland and Auckland, extending to a line roughly corresponding to the boundary with Waikato, south of Pukekohe.
The agency warned the heavy rain could cause flash flooding near streams, gullies and urban areas, while driving conditions may become extremely hazardous.
“We’ve got our ingredients y’all!” MetService wrote on X about the severe weather watches issued for Auckland and Northland.
“Now we need to watch if we’ll be cooking later. We’ll likely be cooking for some, but not for all!”
The watch is in effect from 3pm to 9pm today in Auckland and Northland, MetService said on its website.
“Afternoon and early evening heating and wind convergence bring a moderate risk of thunderstorms to Northland and Auckland, as well as an associated moderate risk of localised downpours of 25 to 40mm/h.
“Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.”
The national weather service also reminded people a severe thunderstorm watch showed where such storms could form, whereas a warning was issued when they had formed.
⛈️🟡Northland and Auckland: Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued🟡⛈️
— MetService NZ (@MetService) January 1, 2026
🧑🍳We've got our ingredients y'all! Now we need to watch 👀 if we'll be cooking later. We'll likely be cooking for some, but not for all!
🤔Reminder: A Severe Thunderstorm WATCH shows where severe thunderstorms… pic.twitter.com/Twf3CSTroX
Some eastern parts of the North Island are also in for a bout of foul weather, with a 24-hour heavy rain warning, including a risk of thunderstorms and localised downpours for Gisborne/Tairāwhiti from 11am tomorrow.
“Expect 100mm to 150mm of rain. Peak rates of 25mm to 40mm/h Saturday when thunderstorms could bring localised downpours.
“Peak rates of 15mm to 25mm/h after midnight on Saturday.”
🟧🌧️Gisborne and Hawke's Bay: Heavy Rain Warning Issued for Saturday/Sunday🌧️🟧
— MetService NZ (@MetService) January 1, 2026
⛈️Prolonged rain with heavy falls and possible thunderstorms as a low moves eastwards across the North Island.
🎬Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain and drive with caution.… pic.twitter.com/SXT3pDjySz
Hawke’s Bay north of Napier and the Ruahine Range are also under a heavy rain warning from 9am to 11pm tomorrow, MetService said.
People in the areas concerned are also advised thunderstorms may include localised downpours north of Napier during the weather event, which is expected to bring 70mm to 100mm of rainfall overall.
Much of the North Island can expect a mixed bag of weather today, with fine spells but also a risk of showers from Waikato south and across to the east of the island.
Cloudy periods are expected from Waitomo to Wellington, with a few showers becoming confined to the high country from afternoon, MetService said.
⛈️ Friday will feature another good chance for afternoon showers and thunderstorms in the upper North Island.
— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) January 1, 2026
In the South Island, expect some light showers and a continuation of cool temperatures thanks to southerly winds. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/SS0PMlgOEx
The severe weather over the festive period has also prompted Horowhenua District Council Mayor Bernie Wanden to activate the Mayoral Relief Fund to support residents who have been financially impacted.
“This weather event has been incredibly challenging for many in our community,” Wanden said, “particularly over the holiday period.
“While recovery efforts are well underway, we know some residents may need immediate financial support to help them get back on their feet.”
The South Island will be mostly cloudy with showers, especially inland, and isolated thunderstorms around the inland ranges of Marlborough and Canterbury this afternoon and evening, MetService said.
It was a “touch cooler than it should be” this morning, MetService wrote on X, with Masterton taking “the prize for the coolest” with 10C at 7am.
Napier and Gisborne were tied for warmest at 19C, while the Chatham Islands’ 17C was “practically tropical for them!” MetService wrote.
Here’s a look at the temperatures around the country this morning, at 7am specifically 🌡️
— MetService NZ (@MetService) January 1, 2026
It’s not particularly extraordinary across the board this morning, if perhaps a touch cooler than it should be. Masterton takes the prize for the coolest 😎 spot around the country this… pic.twitter.com/3Fz2I8Ek2m
Meanwhile, highs of 24C are forecast in Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga today, with 20C in Wellington and 24C in holiday hotspots Paihia and Whangamatā, and 22C in Taupō.
Cooler conditions are expected in the South Island, with 16C in Dunedin, 18C in Christchurch and Queenstown and 21C in Nelson today.
On Sunday, apart from heavy rain in the east, it should be mainly fine across the North Island, bar isolated afternoon or evening showers, MetService said.
The South Island was forecast to be mainly fine, with a few showers in the west and isolated inland showers in the afternoon or evening.