- Forecasters are expecting a damp lead-up to New Year celebrations before a clear start to 2025.
- A new weather system will bring rain to the South Island on Saturday and intensify on Monday.
- Record rainfall in Tairāwhiti caused dangerous conditions on State Highway 2, prompting police warnings.
Forecasters are warning of soggy weather in the lead-up to New Year celebrations as a fresh system begins to creep up the country today.
It comes after wild weather struck in eastern areas yesterday, closing major highways and jolting ferry passengers in Wellington.
The strong wind watch is set to expire in coastal areas of Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne early this morning in time for Rhythm and Vines festival attendees to begin flooding the Poverty Bay city, while the heavy rain warning for the Wairoa District lifts at noon.
However, MetService meteorologist Ngairie Wotherspoon said a fresh batch of bad weather is due to move over the South Island on Saturday which might put a dampener on holidaymakers’ plans.