Severe weather warnings as strong winds and thunderstorms hit this weekend

New Zealand can expect a turbulent start to the weekend with severe weather and thunderstorms predicted for much of the country.

MetService said much of the western coasts are under “a moderate risk of thunderstorms, but some parts are at risk for severe thunderstorms”.

In the morning, gusts from 90-110km/h are expected in those areas alongside heavy rain of 10-20mm/h.

Into the afternoon, the risk of thunderstorms lowers for most of the South Island, but the North Island’s western coast is at moderate risk.

🤯Lots to Unpack for Saturday! Below we can see three images, two Thunderstorm Charts, and a Severe Weather Map. 💨It...

Posted by MetService New Zealand on Thursday 11 September 2025

It’s a windy day for most of the country, but Hawke’s Bay and Tararua District are likely to experience the worst of it with a high chance of an upgrade to a strong wind warning.

Gusts could reach up to 100km/h in the most exposed areas, according to MetService.

The wind has also impacted the planned pro-Palestine protest that would have prevented southbound traffic from crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Organisers of the march said unsafe wind speeds meant it would not cross the bridge and will instead take a new route from Aotea Square to Victoria Park.

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The harbour bridge will also be open to traffic on both sides, but NZTA has warned the high winds may result in reduced speed limits and lane reductions.

If the wind reaches over 90km/h the whole bridge will be closed temporarily.

The high winds may affect travel over the bridge tomorrow. Reduced speed limits and lane reductions may be required on the Harbour Bridge when wind becomes severe, while temporary (short-term) full closures may occur if severe winds gust over 90km/h.

— NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland (@nztaaklnth) September 12, 2025

Strong wind watches are also in place for Coromandel, Tasman District, Dunedin, Clutha and Southland.

The weather is expected to calm down on Sunday with only scattered showers expected on the North Island.

In the South Island, showers are forecast for the west and south at the end of the weekend but other areas should be fine apart from isolated showers in the afternoon.