Record-breaking rainfall left at least two people dead and several others unaccounted for in parts of New Zealand on January 21, 2026. The event produced multiple rainfall records and damaging winds, marking the 20th Red Warning weather event since the alert level was introduced in May 2019.
Prolonged heavy rain affecting New Zealand prompted MetService to raise heavy rain warnings to the highest alert level at 09:08 LT on January 21, 2026, amid a multi-day rainfall event and the influence of a tropical low.
A small meteotsunami was observed along New Zealand’s East Coast and Lake Taupō last week as a strong weather system swept across the upper North Island, GeoNet reported on December 8, 2025.
At least one person was injured after a tornado struck a motor camp near Lake Dudding in rural Manawatū on Wednesday afternoon (LT), December 3, 2025.
Ash from the Whakaari/White Island caused multiple flight cancellations in parts of New Zealand on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, with the Whakatāne and Tauranga airports reporting severe service impacts due to the ash.
Heavy rain caused by an atmospheric river hit parts of the Bay of Plenty on November 18, 2025, with MetService reporting localized downpours of 25–40 mm (0.8 to 1.6 inches) per hour and an Orange heavy-rain warning in effect
A bright fireball was observed over New Zealand’s North Island at 09:31 UTC (22:31 NZDT) on November 17, 2025, captured by multiple Fireballs Aotearoa cameras, including the color camera at Tauranga Astronomical Society in Matua and station NZ0033 in Katikati.
Minor ash emissions were confirmed at Whakaari / White Island, New Zealand, following two short-lived eruptions on October 30, 2025. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 3 and the Aviation Color Code at Orange, indicating minor eruptive activity with uncertain future development. An observation flight on November 3 confirmed an ash plume rising 400–500 m (1 300–1 600 feet) above sea level, drifting southeast for 5–8 km (3–5 miles).
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.
A very bright fireball was seen streaking over the skies of Dargaville, New Zealand, at 15:12 UTC on October 1, 2025.
