Auckland Weather: More Heavy Rain and Overnight Thunderstorms on the Way
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Auckland Weather: More Heavy Rain and Overnight Thunderstorms on the Way

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Written by Swikblog Weather Desk

Updated: Wednesday, 3 December 2025 – 9:15pm NZDT

Auckland and much of the North Island remain locked in volatile early-summer conditions tonight, with torrential rain, hail, violent wind gusts and a tornado confirmed in Manawatū as a powerful low-pressure system continues to move across the region. Meteorologists have kept Severe Thunderstorm and Strong Wind Watches active for Auckland and surrounding districts as the storm complex remains slow-moving and unpredictable.

Intense downpours have flooded streets in parts of Auckland this evening, with lightning strikes, hail and wind squalls battering exposed suburbs. Emergency services are responding to multiple weather-related callouts ranging from minor flooding to fallen trees and power disruptions as the system continues to track southward.

AUCKLAND WEATHER

Storms intensifying with dangerous conditions

Radar data shows the most aggressive storm cells today delivered rainfall rates of up to 25–40 millimetres per hour in some locations — enough to overwhelm drains and produce flash flooding within minutes. Western and coastal parts of the region have been especially vulnerable to damaging wind gusts and heavy bursts of rain.

Drivers across Auckland have been urged to use extreme caution tonight as visibility drops suddenly in downpours and surface water builds on roads. Several suburban streets have already become partially impassable due to temporary flooding.

Tornado in Manawatū overturns caravan

The most dramatic moment of the day occurred in rural Manawatū, where a confirmed tornado tore through a motor-camp and violently overturned a parked caravan. One person was taken to hospital with injuries, while others were treated at the scene.

A nearby house-bus was also struck by lightning in the same storm burst, causing electrical damage and structural stress to the vehicle. Emergency crews say the caravan was flipped suddenly with little warning as the tornado crossed the site.

Dozens of trees were uprooted across the district, and temporary power outages affected surrounding communities as crews worked through falling darkness to restore electricity and assess damage.

Why the atmosphere turned so unstable

Meteorologists say the ferocious weather developed as a deep Tasman Sea system collided with warm, moisture-laden air over the North Island. The combination created extremely unstable conditions, allowing thunderstorm cells to rapidly intensify and rotate.

Sea temperatures running higher than average have contributed additional energy into the atmosphere, allowing clouds to grow rapidly and produce violent downbursts, hail, and sudden rotation capable of generating tornadoes in brief windows of opportunity.

Updated outlook for Auckland and the North Island

  • Tonight: Storms continue through the evening, easing gradually overnight. Risk remains for heavy rain, localised flooding, and gusty winds.
  • Thursday: Cooler southwest winds arrive, with showers decreasing and brighter spells developing during the afternoon.
  • Friday and Weekend: More settled conditions return, with a mix of sunshine and isolated showers.
  • Manawatū: Damage assessments continue following the tornado; minor power interruptions and debris may take time to fully clear.

Safety advice

With unstable conditions still present overnight, residents are advised to remain alert and take common-sense precautions:

  • Secure outdoor items and trampolines.
  • Avoid driving through flooded roads.
  • Stay indoors during lightning and storms.
  • Keep batteries, torches and phones charged.
  • Avoid coastal and exposed areas overnight.

Today’s tornado in Manawatū serves as a stark reminder that summer storms across New Zealand can escalate without warning. While Auckland may be more familiar with heavy rain, rotating storms capable of structural damage remain rare — but real. Residents are urged to stay weather-aware until conditions fully stabilise.