(Recorded Dec 31) Drier weather, hotter days and lighter winds are all coming – but between now and Sunday there will still be windy areas, wet weather, and severe thunderstorms. On Friday and Saturday a southerly flow will work northwards up the nation, bringing some colder winds for a time in the southern South Island and alpine areas, and a cooler morning for a number of regions around NZ on Sunday (although nothing major).

There will be more thunderstorms and downpours in both main islands over the coming days.

But during Sunday and Monday high pressure expands over the country bringing lighter winds and hotter days – and a few inland downpours and thunderstorms.

A tropical low is worth monitoring near Fiji next week – but for now poses no threat to NZ, and doesn’t look overly serious. Still, it’s in a part of the world where they can power up suddenly.

We also take an extended look at the weather from next Thursday (Jan 8) to the following Thursday (Jan 15). While not a forecast you can lock in, you can get a general theme of what is shaping the weather around New Zealand and the Tasman Sea going into 2026.

Programming Note:

• We’re taking a short break as the weather finally settles! Our next offscreen video update will be on Tuesday, January 6th.
• We aren’t in our usual studio, so apologies if any tech issues, or the slight angle it is filmed on today! Back onscreen and back to normal from Jan 12+.

• Please download the WeatherWatch App for all the data, maps and warnings you need.