Northland weather: MetService warns 31C weekend heatwave on the way

Northlanders are advised to seek shade when temperatures hit 30C and above this weekend.

Northlanders can expect to sizzle and swelter this weekend as temperatures of up to 31C hit parts of the region.

MetService warned above-average temperatures are projected across much of the country for the coming days as hot air from Australia’s heatwave made its way across the Tasman.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said it’s looking the same for Northland.

“Warm temperatures will be one of the main features,” she said.

“There’s not too much rain on the cards, if there is, it will be very light.

“The North Island, including the Northland area, is under a ridge of high pressure, which will keep things settled.”

After bouts of rain and wind over New Year, the first full week of January is looking calmer as a high-pressure system stretches over both islands.

So far in Northland this year, Kerikeri has had the warmest weather, reaching nearly 27C on Wednesday, while Whangārei reached 26C last week.

Temperatures were expected to reach 28C yesterday.

Today would be warmer, Makgabutlane said, with weekend temperatures “picking up in Northland”.

Eastern parts of the country, in particular, will be warmer.

Some places, including Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri, would have a high of 31C on Saturday, followed by 30C on Sunday.

Whangārei was expected to reach 29C on Saturday and 31C on Sunday.

“It looks like Northland is not spared from the hot temperatures,” Makgabutlane said.

“They’re the highest of the summer so far.”

Scorching conditions, heat alerts and even fire risks are in store for much of New Zealand later this week.

Many places are hitting 30C, especially eastern areas such as Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, Masterton, Blenheim, Kaikōura and Christchurch.

Hastings is forecast to reach a blistering 37C.

Fire and Emergency NZ warned the hot weather, low humidity, and possible wind gusts posed an increased fire risk.

Fire and Emergency NZ’s prevention deputy chief executive Nick Pyatt said the risk would be highest in the Northland, Canterbury, Marlborough, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, and Tairāwhiti districts.

Pyatt urged people to take extra care, and visitwww.checkitsalright.nz to see if there were any restrictions on lighting open-air fires in their area, and for safety advice.

Makgabutlane also advised residents to take extra care during the hot weather, including staying out of the sun if possible, staying hydrated with water, and slapping on SPF 30+ sunscreen.

Other ways to stay cool include taking cool showers, wearing lightweight clothing such as cotton, linen and bamboo, which absorb sweat and breathe easily, and eating cooling foods, like cucumber, watermelon, and sugar-free popsicles.

Residents can keep their homes cool by closing the curtains during the day and using fans or heat pumps on cool mode.

Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with finance, roading, and social issues.