Source: Radio New Zealand
Unsplash / Erik Witsoe
MetService says an “impactful” weather event is heading for the upper North Island this afternoon, with Northland likely to be upgraded to a red weather warning as it develops.
An orange heavy rain warning was in place for Northland from 4pm Wednesday and for Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula early Thursday, lasting until Friday.
Meteorologist Silvia Martino said the impacts might not be seen right away.
Several Watches have been issued for Heavy Rain, as well as an Orange Warning for Northland, which has a Moderate chance of being upgraded to a Red Warning
Wind Watches are also in place for Northland and Auckland for easterly to northeasterly gusts approaching severe gale pic.twitter.com/leZDsjeCDV
— MetService NZ (@MetService) March 23, 2026
“This will be a long event, it carries on for a couple of days, so while we might not get to warning amounts [today], we are expecting over time that rain to build up to warning levels.”
She explained forecasters would be working with local authorities to determine if a red warning was needed.
“The decision about whether to go to a red warning is one that’s made based on what the impacts are likely to be.
“What our expert forecasters will be doing is talking to the council, talking to people on the ground about what the impacts are expected to be from the amount of rain we’re forecasting, and then together they’ll make the decision about whether a red warning is appropriate.
“With the heavy rain, we’re looking out for the risk of surface flooding, of possibly areas being cut off, and reminding people to avoid floodwaters. If you can avoid travel then that’s for the best.”
Clear the gutters, put anything away that could be a source of danger from wind, Martino said.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
