Thunderstorms are set to rumble over the top of the country today as forecasters warn umbrellas will be needed for Auckland’s Santa parade revellers.
And they say the sweltering tropical conditions that have marked recent days are also set to continue after a brief respite as summer begins next week.
Head of MetService weather news Heather Keats told Herald NOW’s Ryan Bridge it had been a very active end to the working week, with 14,000 lightning strikes over the country in the past 36 hours.
“We’re still watching those active fronts as they move north.
“There will still be some thunderstorms today too, popping up all over the place, including for the upper north as well, spots like Auckland and Northland.”
If you were woken by thunder at 5:30am, here’s what the radar looked like…
— MetService NZ (@MetService) November 27, 2025
A decent burst of rain in the early hours of this morning for western parts of the North Island. This will push eastward today but will clear up in time for Saturday.
Here are some of the bigger peak… pic.twitter.com/7WalbWwmqP
Rain watches are still in place for the Tararua Range, Taranaki, Horowhenua and Wellington, but these will expire before midday.
Keats warned people across the country not to get complacent, as the wild weather would be returning next week.
She said most of the country would see a fine and clear day tomorrow, which should be enjoyed outside before the weather turns later in the weekend.
She said those hoping to attend Auckland’s Santa parade on Sunday should prepare for light showers.
However, those racing in the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge will see perfect conditions for the event.
“We’ve got a low-pressure system crawling out of the Tasman Sea, so that’ll drive up the winds, drop a bit of heavy rain around as well.
“So, I mean, it’s not the best weekend, but there are going to be plenty of pockets of fine skies and spots in the North Island. Saturday’s looking good, Sunday not so great.”
But the main topic of conversation to begin summer had not been the rain, rather the lingering humidity and heat.
“The thing I think, though, that’s been the biggest topic over the last few days has definitely been the heat. So, it’s been really humid.”
Yesterday, Auckland hit its hottest day in November on record, and the scorching and sticky weather could be here to stay until early next week.
MetService said humidity had climbed to 67% in the city yesterday, with Auckland Airport hitting a high of 27C.
Another hot day 🥵
— MetService NZ (@MetService) November 27, 2025
🥇 27.1°C for Auckland Airport is a new November station record
Back to back days exceeding 30°C at Christchurch Airport
33.0°C in Hastings is our hottest station today
The coming days bring further warmth but with some periods of rain pic.twitter.com/MPGgroRNwG
Keats said this was “really significant”.
“And that heat is going to continue, hence the heat alert, because for Napier, it’s not just hot days, it’s also very warm, muggy nights.
“But we are seeing a bit of respite in those overnight lows.
“So, places like Christchurch are still going to have like 26C tomorrow, but you’re dropping down to a low of 8C tonight.
“So, when you’ve got those really, really warm days and those nights drop down quite nice and low, no need for a heat alert, but it is something to be mindful of because it has definitely been a very hot and humid week.”
MetService said the very warm, humid air is likely to return on Sunday and could linger until Tuesday.