The forecast is looking grim for large outdoor Christmas events across New Zealand this weekend.

Thunderstorms are expected to hit some parts of the North Island today and tomorrow before temperatures soar to low-30s in some parts of New Zealand later this week.

People across New Zealand have been basking in today's sunshine as the first weekend of summer did not disappoint.

It's not going to be the sunniest weekend, but at least it won't rain too much.

A dry summer is on its way, but it starts with showers for many of us today.

It may be time to put away the togs - scorching temperatures on Wednesday aren't likely to be repeated today, the MetService says. While

Temperatures in some parts of the country have climbed over 30 degrees before midday.

At least two people are believed to have died from the unusual condition in Melbourne, but could it happen here?

Temperatures plummeted below freezing the night two men died on a tramp in the Tararua Forest Park.

The Metservice is warning rain, wind, and possible thunderstorms are on the way to Wellington for tonight and tomorrow.

Police are checking that people have a legitimate reason to be in quake-hit areas.

More rain on the way for Wellington.

The Prime Minister's bodyguards directed traffic around a high rise close to collapse, slips caused traffic chaos and homes were evacuated in capital.

A string of motorists is stranded on State Highway 2 as authorities across the Wellington region prepare for evacuations.

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Skywatchers may have a chance to see a supermoon tonight, a phenomenon now shining over the region that won't be visible again until 2034.

Heavy rain and wind is forecast to batter the upper South Island and lower North Island this afternoon.

It's beginning to feel like summer in some parts of the country, with pohutukawa bursting into bloom. "People have been getting a

Summer likely to be wetter than average according to long-term Niwa forecast.

Rare November snow is forecast for the South Island with road snowfall warnings issued for some alpine passes.

Fears that aliens were taking over Northland have been allayed by weather experts who say a cloud - not an alien mother ship - was

Squally thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast to hit the North Island overnight, with a severe weather watch in place.

Hotter than average temperatures can be expected across the entire country over the next three months - but the warm won't come without rain.

It was a wild day of weather for the upper North Island yesterday, but what will today bring?

A mid-spring freeze has hit New Zealand with sub-zero temperatures, frost and snow, hitting parts of the country this morning.

An unseasonable cold snap will be felt in much of the country over the weekend as a front moves over the North Island.

It's going to be a chilly, wet weekend for parts of the country - though the worst of the rain is expected to hold off for those hitting the pavement in the Auckland Marathon on Sunday.

Heading back to the office at the end of the holiday weekend could be a blessing in disguise as rain is set to hit most of the country.

Congestion north of Auckland and around Wellington has eased, NZ Transport Agency says.

A wetter summer season is on the cards for the upper North Island - but that doesn't mean people should go cancelling their Coromandel holiday plans.