Covering period of Thursday 17th - Sunday 20th April

Significant winds from Cyclone Tam continue to affect the upper North Island today (Thursday), while waves of wet weather spread across the North Island and extend to the South Island this evening. Combined impacts from winds and rain are still possible today for the upper North Island as many people head away for the long weekend.

Wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h were recorded in parts of Northland, with widespread impacts felt over the past 24 hours. Today’s winds remain strong as they move south over Auckland, with gusts potentially reaching 120 km/h in exposed areas. Orange Strong Wind Warnings remain in place for Auckland and Northland, while Watches cover many other parts of the North Island, as well as the Buller District in the South Island.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says, “For people travelling ahead of the long weekend today, it may be a good idea to factor in possible travel delays in any planning and continue to heed the advice of local authorities.”

These strong winds are also generating large waves, with heights over 9 metres already observed off the Northland east coast. Alongside the rain and wind, coastal hazards such as coastal inundation are possible along eastern coastlines from Northland to Coromandel, especially around high tide.

The North Island sees periods of rain today, sometimes heavy. An Orange Warning for Heavy Rain covers Northland today, and Coromandel and western Bay of Plenty to Friday, and a Watch for Auckland. Possible thunderstorms in these regions between today and tomorrow may intensify local impacts from the already occurring rain and strong winds.

Looking ahead, while many parts of the country will experience a mix of wet and dry spells over the Easter weekend, northern Tairāwhiti Gisborne and northwest Tasman may see a more prolonged period of rain. Both regions are under Orange Heavy Rain Warnings from this evening through to Saturday, with additional rainfall likely on Sunday.

Cyclone Tam will also influence conditions this weekend, bringing warm and humid air across the country. Daytime highs on Saturday and Sunday may reach the mid to high 20s in the eastern and lower North Island – potentially record-breaking April temperatures for parts of Manawatū -Whanganui and Wellington. Muggy nights are also expected, with overnight temperatures sitting in the mid to high teens for many areas.

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