Strong southerly winds prompts heavy swell warning for Wellington

Monday, 7 April 2025

Debris and surface flooding could be possible along the Kapiti Coast. (File photo)

A heavy swell warning has been issued for the western coastline in the Wellington region, ranging from Otaki to Cape Terawhiti.

The orange warning, issued by MetService, will be in place from 6am to 4pm on Tuesday, and is the result of strong southerly winds moving up the country.

MetService meteorologist John Law said the largest swells are expected about the west of New Zealand.

The orange warning will be in place from 6am to 4pm on Tuesday.

“These winds have been blowing over a long run of open ocean, building the swell that is forecast to run up the west of the country” he said.

The combination of swells and locally generated wind could see waves in the Wellington region rise to 4-4.5m.

The largest waves will be from mid-morning Tuesday before easing during the evening.

The week starts with a mix of everything, strong winds, spells of rain, potential thunder, hail and a switch to colder temperatures.

The Wellington Region Emergency Management Office said swells could bring debris and surface flooding to roads, especially around high tide.

People were advised to take care walking or driving along roads and beaches exposed to the sea during this time.

Law said gale force northwesterly winds will be a key feature of the weather across the lower North Island.

“The large swells and strong winds make it a good day to stay on dry-land,” he said.

High tide on the Kapiti Coast will be around 6.30am on Tuesday.