Severe weather forecast: Heavy rain and wind risk for All Blacks’ Bledisloe opener

Thunderstorms and strong winds could disrupt the All Blacks’ first Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies at Eden Park today.

MetService predicted showers, which could be heavy, to develop over Auckland this morning and windy thunderstorms to arrive in the afternoon.

Nearly 5mm of rain is expected to fall around 3pm Saturday, dropping to 2.5mm at 5pm as the All Blacks game kicks off.

NZTA has issued a warning the Auckland Harbour Bridge might be impacted in the afternoon because of high winds predicted by MetService.

Gusts could reach from 75-85km/h between 1pm and 5pm, with motorists advised to drive to the conditions and pay attention to the electronic messaging boards on the motorway, which will advise of any lane closures or reduced speed limits.

SH1 AKL HBR BRIDGE - 6:10AM
Strong wind gusts are expected to affect the Auckland Harbour Bridge from 1pm-5pm TODAY, Sat 27 Sep. Speed restrictions and lane reductions are likely. Please take extra care, especially high-sided vehicle and motorcycles.^SG pic.twitter.com/n4fSzybGaE

— NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland (@nztaaklnth) September 26, 2025

MetService said much of the wet weather should clear in the evening.

Most of the North Island is likely to have more settled weather with some scattered showers.

MetService said rain will hit the South Island’s west coast from around midday today and continue to fall into Sunday.

Yellow strong wind watches are in place for much of the south and central parts of the South Island and Stewart Island on Sunday, with a moderate risk of this being upgraded to a warning.

Strong wind watches are in place across the South Island for Sunday. Photo / MetService

However, the temperature starts to increase for some parts of the South Island, with Christchurch and Kaikōura possibly hitting 21C, and Napier and Hastings predicted to reach 24C.

MetService has said a wind watch for lower parts of the North Island could also be issued.

Elsewhere on the North Island on Sunday, there will be cloudy periods and some showers but the weather should be mainly fine and dry in the east.