Latest fromNiwa

Storm hits: Power cuts, road closures as rivers rise in Northland
Severe weather watches and warnings are in force.

‘Extreme care’: Thunderstorms, downpours bear down on Nth Island, wind warnings for harbour bridge
Civil Defence has warned people to keep watch on the incoming storm due from 3pm today.

19hr deluge: Thunderstorms, gales prompt warnings
Civil Defence has warned people to keep watch on the incoming storm due from 3pm today.

Dargaville records lowest annual rainfall as dry spell continues
Record dry weather recorded in parts of Northland, but growers cheer no heavy rain.

Thundestorm alerts issued around NZ, motorists warned to take care
Motorists are being warned to drive 'carefully' as heavy falls start in Rotorua, Taupō.

North Island braces for thunderstorms, hail and heavy downpours
Motorists are being warned to drive 'extremely carefully'.

'Festive spirit may be dampened': Thunderstorms, tornadoes possible in grim leadup to Xmas
Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and elevated humidity levels are tipped for the next week.

Will your area hit 30C? Soaring temps tipped as early taste of summer sweeps NZ
Some areas are expected to reach near 30C in the coming days.

Long, dry spells loom beyond another messy week of spring weather
A front is forecast to move up the country – but there's also late-week warmth in store.

Dunedin cut off: Floodwaters close state highways, second rain 'peak' later today, Clutha declares state of emergency
Officials hoping for breaks in the weather to help ease surface flooding.

South Dunedin residents ‘encouraged’ to self-evacuate as flood waters rise
'Risk of flooding, slips are high. Follow the advice of local authorities' - MetService

‘Exceptional situation’: Dunedin residents warned of overnight downpour, asked to stay home
'Risk of flooding, slips are high. Follow the advice of local authorities' - MetService

33-hr drenching: Severe thunderstorms for upper North Island, snowstorms, downpours in south
Snowstorms are also forecast for parts of south. Severe weather alerts are out across NZ.

Intense downpours to hit NZ, warnings issued for upper north
Auckland has a cloudy Thursday forecast, but heavy rain is tipped for tomorrow.

Downpours to hit tomorrow as heavy rain expected throughout October
A weather system is set to douse New Zealand tomorrow, with more expected in October.

Govt agrees ‘in principle’ for Niwa to absorb MetService
Minister says merger would make NZ better equipped to respond to severe weather events.

Millions awarded to combat invasive gold clam
The gold clam was found in the Waikato River in May last year.

Jetstar passengers evacuated after stairs blown into plane
Powerful gusts of up to 100 km/h are expected to roar across the north this afternoon.

Severe wind causes Auckland Harbour Bridge disruption
Thunderstorms are possible for the upper North Island to start the week.

Polar vortex clips NZ, strong gusts batter Auckland Harbour Bridge, more snow expected
Thunderstorms are possible for the upper North Island to start the week.

'Batten down the hatches': Red severe thunderstorm watch issued for lower North Island
Severe weather alerts have been issued along the East Coast.