MetService meteorologist Rob Kerr said heat alerts are issued a day out from hot weather, and are based on each centre’s usual summer highs and/or how many days of hot weather are forecast. The heat, combined with severe northwesterlies forecast for the lower North Island and much of the South Island tomorrow, has raised wildfire risks to extreme. Multiple dead in water incidentsTwo people died in separate water tragedies in Canterbury and the Bay of Plenty this afternoon. Strong wind watches are also in place for eastern Canterbury and the lower South Island. Further north, there are heavy rain watches across the Grey and Buller districts in the upper South Island tomorrow afternoon and evening.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 10, 2026 06:31 UTC