Wellington’s weather is about to turn, and it’s time to get ready. At One Network Wellington Live, we’re bringing you an early heads-up on Sunday, March 16, 2025—autumn’s fading fast, and winter’s blowing in. No tornadoes here like the ones tearing up the US, but our own wild weather’s coming. Think wind, rain, and chilly days ahead. How do Wellingtonians prep for the change? We’ve got the story.
A Gusty Wake-Up Call
Across the US, tornadoes have smashed through states like Missouri and Georgia, killing at least 20 people overnight on March 14-15, 2025. Homes are wrecked, power’s out, and locals there are reeling. Wellington’s not facing twisters, but our weather’s got its own punch. This morning, the sun shone on Oriental Bay at 19°C—shorts and coffee weather. But MetService says tomorrow’s dropping to 12°C with rain and winds up to 90 kph. It’s a taste of what’s coming as autumn bows out.
Take Aroha from Kilbirnie. “I got caught last year,” she says. “Wind flipped my brolly, and I was drenched by noon.” She’s learned—now she’s got a waterproof jacket stuffed in her bag. Wellington’s weather flips fast—one minute it’s calm on the waterfront, the next it’s a soggy mess in Newtown. The season’s shifting, and it’s time to wise up.
Wind and Rain on the Way
Wellington’s no stranger to rough weather. The Cook Strait funnels wind like a beast—last March, gusts hit 100 kph, knocking trees onto cars in Hataitai. Dr Tane Moko from NIWA says it’s the clash of warm autumn air and cooler winter fronts. “We’re in that messy change now,” he told us. “Expect more rain and southerlies soon.” The airport’s already braced—flights get bumpy this time of year, with delays logged 15 times last March.
Locals feel it coming. On Cuba Street, we saw punters in hoodies despite the sun. “It’s Wellington—you can’t trust it,” says Rangi, a chef from Te Aro. He’s got boots ready for the wet weeks ahead. MetService backs him up—next week’s forecast has showers Monday, gusts Tuesday, and a cold snap by Friday. Winter’s knocking, and it won’t be gentle.
How We Cope
Wellingtonians have tricks for this. Layers are king—start with a tee, add a jumper, top it with a windproof coat. Umbrellas? Good luck—locals like Mia from Miramar swear by hoods instead. “Wind snaps brollies here,” she laughs. She’s right—gusts turn them inside out fast. Boots beat soggy trainers, and a spare hat’s a lifesaver when it’s blowing.
Tom from Johnsonville checks his weather app daily. “It said sun yesterday, then I got soaked on the bus,” he grumbles. His fix? A backpack with a raincoat, always. Kids are in on it too—schools like Karori Normal send notes: “Bring jackets, it’s turning.” Last year, a power cut hit 150 homes in Kelburn when wind downed lines. Prep’s not just smart—it’s a must.
The Council’s Pitch
The Wellington City Council’s on the case. They’re clearing drains in Thorndon after last autumn’s floods—50mm of rain swamped streets in a day. Councillor Sara Tui says, “We’re gearing up for wetter times. Check your gutters, grab a torch—be ready.” They’ve got crews on standby if southerlies knock out power again. It’s not tornado-level chaos, but it’s our own battle.
Why It Matters
In the US, tornadoes left a trail of smashed homes and broken lives—12 dead in Missouri alone, says the BBC. Wellington’s weather won’t rip roofs off, but it can still sting. A 2024 council report pegs our wellbeing at NZ$500 million yearly—bad weather chips away at that with cold homes and slick roads. Last March, a slip closed SH1 near Paremata for hours. No deaths, but plenty of hassle.
Hana from Hataitai sums it up: “You don’t mess with Welly wind.” She’s stocking candles for blackouts. Over there, they’re salvaging wreckage—here, we’re dodging puddles. But it’s the same game: get ready or get caught.
What’s Next?
The US is bracing for more storms—tornado warnings stretch from Tennessee to the East Coast today. Wellington’s shift is quieter but real. MetService says this week’s just the start—winter’s proper chill hits in April. For now, Monday’s rain is your cue—grab that coat, check the forecast, and don’t trust a clear sky. At One Network Wellington Live, we’re watching it roll in. Wellington’s weather is wild—it’s ours, and it’s time to prep.
