Weather: Heavy rain, strong winds to batter New Zealand before Christmas

🎄☀️Kia ora & Merry Christmas. Don’t get caught out by the weather. We’ve got a quick look at the holiday forecast so you’ll know what’s coming, whether you’re keen for a day at the beach, heading out on the boat, pitching the tent, or a backyard barbecue. 🏖️😎 @MetService pic.twitter.com/oV1ksU8gfc

— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) December 18, 2025

There is a strong wind watch from this morning for Wairapapa up to Hawke’s Bay, and for Wellington.

Winds are expected to climb to 90km/h in exposed areas before easing in the afternoon.

For Christmas Eve, the North Island is forecast to experience westerly winds with rain moving north across Auckland, Northland and the Bay of Plenty.

“It should be up around Auckland by midday,” Ford said.

“It will gradually weaken as it moves northwards. By the end of the day, it will be up around Northland, but it should be some showers by then.”

Ford said western parts of the South Island would experience showers and cloud, while fine weather was forecast for eastern parts.

A heavy rain watch is in force for the Tararua Range until 12pm, while a heavy rain watch is forecast to begin at 11am until 9am tomorrow for the hills and ranges of Waikato and Waitomo and near the coast from Raglan.

Ford said temperatures on the eastern side of New Zealand could move into the high 20s today and tomorrow.

“Today, Blenheim is forecast to be 30C and on Christmas Eve, Napier is forecast to be 30C.”

Auckland is forecast to reach a high of 25C today and 23C tomorrow, while Hamilton is set to reach 24C today and 23C tomorrow.

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