Significant weather systems to impact New Zealand through Thursday, October 23
New Zealand is set for a week of active weather as multiple systems track across the country from October 20 to 23, 2025. MetService warns of strong northwesterlies and heavy rain early in the week, followed by another intense front on Thursday that may bring more severe impacts to already affected areas.
Weather warnings October 20--23, 2025. Credit: New Zealand MetService
Successive weather systems are forecast to impact New Zealand between October 20 and 23, bringing periods of heavy rain, strong northwest winds, and thunderstorms.
New Zealand’s MetService has issued several warnings and watches, with a more intense system expected on Thursday that could produce damaging gusts and significant rainfall across parts of the South Island and central New Zealand.
The agency has issued a series of severe weather warnings and watches covering much of the South Island and central regions between Monday, October 20, and Thursday, October 23. The first system, moving across the country on Monday and Tuesday, is bringing strong northwest winds and heavy rainfall, particularly along the Southern Alps and Westland Ranges, before a second, more intense system arrives later in the week.
MetService Meteorologist Michael Pawley said northwesterly gusts may reach around 130 km/h (80 mph) in exposed areas, with heavy rain expected about the South Island’s western ranges. “There will be decent spillover rain east of the main divide,” Pawley noted.
The agency expects periods of thunderstorms, with hail possible on Tuesday, though the main hazards remain damaging winds and intense rainfall. Orange and Yellow rain and wind warnings are in effect for multiple regions.
By Wednesday, the active front is forecast to weaken as it tracks over the upper North Island, producing scattered showers. This short reprieve will precede a stronger front expected on Thursday, which could again bring heavy rain and severe winds across the South Island before crossing the North Island overnight into Friday.
“On Thursday, we will see similar areas affected as earlier in the week, but there are hints that the impacts could be greater,” Pawley said. “Warnings and Watches are likely to be issued in the coming days. In the meantime, the National Emergency Management Agency has useful resources for how you can be prepared.”
Temperatures are expected to remain well above average under a warm, moisture-laden air mass. Forecast guidance indicates Hastings may reach near 30°C (86°F) on Thursday and Kaikōura around 25°C (77°F), though these values are subject to daily updates.
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
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