Last days of spring set to be hot and muggy

This may be the only way to keep cool during the last days of spring. Photo / iStock

The last few days of spring are set to be sweltering as humid, blustery conditions sweep the country - but firefighters are warning it's not all good news.

A stream of hot and muggy subtropical air spilling southwards towards New Zealand will boost temperatures until Saturday, forecasters say.

Some centres clocked more than 30C today and have more fine weather in store for tomorrow.

Napier and Hastings were the hottest places to be with both towns soaring to 31C, Metservice meteorologist Lisa Murray said.

"It's not quite their record, but it's pretty good, pretty warm, considering they've had quite a cool November, it's a nice finish to the month," she said.

Christchurch airport hit 29C, but Auckland airport was a mere 23C in comparison.
But the roasting temperatures would not hold out for the weekend as a southerly change rolled up the country, Ms Murray said.

"They should have another warm day in Hastings and Napier tomorrow, but then after that it cools off because there's a bit of a southerly flick coming up the country. It's not a big strong southerly, but it will bring cooler air to the area.

"Even Christchurch looks like a cooler day tomorrow, by a few degrees. They're going for 25C there tomorrow, so a bit of a change."

Firefighters have been battling a large forest fire in Marlborough since Wednesday with warm, windy conditions hampering efforts.

Five houses were evacuated and another 20 self-evacuated from the Waikakaho Valley area, and residents have been warned to stay away from their homes tonight.

The blaze has ripped through 450ha so far.

A Marlborough Rural Fire Authority spokeswoman said it would probably burn through 600ha before it was brought under control but the weather forecast in the area is not looking promising, with a high of 27C predicted for Friday.

"It's hot and we've got a severe wind warning coming up later ... That means 100 knot plus winds. It's going to be very difficult conditions for the chopper."

And it could be the start of things to come, with rural fire service authorities warning the fire season might arrive early this year due to the El Nino conditions.

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) announced on Thursday 2015 could be the warmest year on record, based on data for the first 10 months of the year.

WeatherWatch head analyst Philip Duncan said the humidity in Auckland was adding to the heat, reaching 90 per cent before 10.30am today.

"For those working outside it will feel more like the mid 20s, then mid to late 20s into the afternoon. This doesn't apply to Auckland only, but actually for many North Island regions under similar conditions today."

A slow-moving front was expected to appear over the upper North Island on Saturday, bringing rain or showers, while Sunday would be clear and dry for most areas, he said.

MetService has issued a warning for gales from Fiordland to southern Wairarapa, with gusts of 160km/h or more possible in exposed places and heavy rain was also forecast for Fiordland, Westland, Otago and Canterbury overnight.

Police are warning the estimated 25,000 drivers and motorcyclists heading to Southland for the annual Burt Munro Challenge this weekend to take extra care on the roads.

A motorcyclist was injured in a crash with another rider on State Highway 6, Haast Pass-Makarora Rd, about 2.45pm today. It is believed wind may have been a factor in the crash.

"There will be an increase in motorists and motorcycles on the road," Southland Police said.

"Road users need to be aware of the potential for heavy rain and 160km/h gusts that will mostly affect those on motorcycles and those in high sided vehicles, especially in exposed areas on the roadways."

MAIN CENTRES FORECAST:

• Auckland - Cloudy and humid tomorrow, with drizzle turning to showers in the afternoon and a northerly wind. High 22C. Saturday will see rain easing to showers in the evening with a high of 23C.
• Hamilton - Cloudy, with drizzle turning to showers in the afternoon. High 23C. Rain easing to a few showers on Saturday, a southwest change and a high of 22C.
• Tauranga - Friday will see drizzle turning to afternoon showers, and northerlies. High 20C. Rain on Saturday, chance heavy, then clearing. High 21C.
• Wellington - Drizzle turning to rain in the evening, a northerly gale gusting to 130km/h, and a high of 17C. Rain clearing on Saturday, with fine spells developing, a northerly wind, and a high of 18C.

(Source: MetService)