Red heavy rain warnings issued as prolonged rainfall event impacts New Zealand

At 09:08 local time (LT) on Wednesday, January 21 — 20:00 UTC, January 20 — New Zealand’s MetService escalated the Severe Weather Warnings in Northland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, and northern Tairāwhiti Gisborne to Red Warnings for significant rainfall. The escalation reflects an already impactful multi-day rainfall event combined with the approach of a tropical low affecting the upper North Island on January 21.

Red warnings represent the highest level in New Zealand’s severe weather warning system and are reserved for extreme events where significant impacts and major disruption are expected. Authorities advised immediate action to protect life and property, particularly in flood-prone catchments and areas vulnerable to slips.

“Parts of Northland have already seen more than 300 mm [11.8 inches] of rain since the start of Sunday, with a further 120 mm [4.7 inches] possible today,” MetService said.

“Coromandel has received 150 to 200 mm [6–8 inches] of rain in 24 hours with impacts already felt, and a further 200 to 250 mm [8–10 inches] is possible on top of what has already fallen. Bay of Plenty could see a further 240 mm [9.5 inches], while Gisborne may see 250 to 350 mm [10–14 inches]. Periods of intense downpours are also likely.”

“With rain falling onto already sodden ground, widespread impacts such as significant flooding, slips, dangerous river conditions, and hazardous road conditions and travel disruptions are likely. These can lead to areas being cut off, as well as danger to life,” MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said.

“A Red Warning signifies that people need to act now as immediate action is required to protect people, animals and property from the impact of the weather. People should also be prepared to follow the advice of official authorities and emergency services.”

“These impacts are likely to be long and far-reaching and may run into the long weekend ahead for popular holiday hotspots,” Makgabutlane said, and advised residents to be sure to stay up to date with their local Civil Defence, especially if planning to travel.

In addition, Auckland, the rest of Tairāwhiti Gisborne, as well as Hawke’s Bay may see impactful rainfall and are under Orange Heavy Rain Warnings. 

Wet weather is possible over the South Island today and on Thursday, January 22. Tasman west of Mapua is under an Orange Heavy Rain Warning, while Watches are in place for Nelson, Westland, and Canterbury, including Christchurch. 

Meanwhile, strong easterly to northeasterly winds are also expected over the North Island. Strong Wind Watches are in place for Wednesday and early Thursday covering Auckland and all of Waikato, including Coromandel. All Warnings and Watches are given in more detail at the following url https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home. 

Since severe weather can increase traffic to the MetService’s website and slow it down, residents can keep up to date via the free MetService weather app.

This is the first Red Warning MetService has issued in 2026 and the 20^th Red Warning weather event since the highest alert level was introduced in May 2019.

Teo Blašković

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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