Summer in Eastbourne, Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
Much of the country is in for another scorcher on Wednesday, with MetService issuing heat alerts for the lower North Island.
The alerts affect Wellington City, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt, with the latter expected to be the warmest location, with a maximum temperature of 29 degrees.
MetService issues such alerts when temperatures are set to reach levels that are unusually hot for that location.
According to MetService meteorologist John Law, much of the country will experience an "incredibly warm" and muggy feel overnight into Wednesday.
A high pressure will bring dry weather, although some showers can be expected in inland areas of the North Island, such as Taupō and Taumaranui.
Law said some showers may be heavy - although it was the "exception, not the rule".
Temperatures this week widely reaching into the mid to high 20's across New Zealand and even above 30°C in the hottest spots.
— MetService (@MetService) January 9, 2024
Staying warm and muggy overnight as well. Check out the minimum temperatures for tonight, only down to 17°C in Auckland. pic.twitter.com/grZBivGWGY
Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Taranaki and Wellington had "plenty of dry weather and sunshine" in store.
Hamilton was expected to reach a high of 28 degrees, he said.
In the South Island, places such as Otago and Banks Peninsula could see cloud and some rain developing through the afternoon, he said.
A restricted fire season has been declared for the Canterbury district as fire danger increases across the region.
The temperature in Auckland is not forecast to drop below 17°C for the next ten days.
— MetService (@MetService) January 9, 2024
While the daytime highs are only a few degrees above average for the time of year it's a steady run of warm days and muggy nights. pic.twitter.com/kSxQMiTMFn
Meanwhile, Auckland should prepare for a stream of sunny days.
According to MetService's forecast, the temperature in the city will not drop below 17 degrees for the next 10 days.
While the daytime highs are only a few degrees above average for the time of year, Aucklanders can expect a steady run of warm days and muggy nights.
Watercare head of production Peter Rodgers said dam levels were in a strong position, sitting above 95 percent full, but demand could jump up by as much as 100 million litres on a hot, dry day.
With dry months ahead, he advised people to keep showers under four minutes, and to water gardens at dawn and dusk.
