King’s Birthday weekend weather: Heavy rain warnings for South Island as subtropical air hits

While the rain will be the main concern in warning areas, much of the country is also set to experience temperatures well above average for late autumn.

🟧🟨Severe Weather Warnings and Watches have been updated for Significant Heavy Rain and Northerly Gales ‼️

Valid for northern and western parts of the South Island from Sunday, then Northland and Taranaki Maunga from Monday. ⏰

Tasman District northwest of Motueka has a… pic.twitter.com/qG9x2Jp7B0

— MetService NZ (@MetService) May 29, 2026

Auckland is expected to reach 18C today with cloudy periods and isolated showers.

Conditions are forecast to deteriorate tomorrow, with persistent rain developing in the afternoon and temperatures ranging from 16C overnight to 19C during the day.

Tauranga and Hamilton are forecast to reach 19C today, with rain becoming more widespread on Monday.

Wellington will see mostly cloudy conditions and occasional rain developing this evening, with temperatures climbing to 17C today and 18C tomorrow.

Christchurch is forecast to reach a notably mild 21C today before rain arrives tomorrow afternoon. Dunedin is expected to see a high of 17C today and tomorrow, with periods of rain clearing early Monday.

Bellam said overnight temperatures would be the standout feature of the forecast.

“Auckland and Wellington are about 6 degrees above average for the minimum, and Christchurch is really warm. It’s 9 degrees above average, and Dunedin 6 degrees.”

The warmer-than-normal nights are expected to continue for several days as the subtropical air mass remains over the country.

“It’ll be warm. Above-average daytime maximums, but those quite warm nights for the next few days with that subtropical air mass coming down.”