Weather experts have tipped a scorcher of a summer for Wairarapa and are warning of even greater risks of sunburn.
James Renwick, principal climate scientist for the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, said above-average seasonal temperatures were likely in the region and will spark an increased risk of sunburn
as people make the most of settled weather and head outdoors.
Dr Renwick said summer across New Zealand was likely to be warmer, drier and less windy than usual and the present La Nina weather pattern was likely to dominate until at least autumn.
"At the moment our outlook is saying that summer temperatures are likely to be above average in the east of both islands and in the north of the South Island, and very likely to be above average in other districts.
"There's also likely to be normal or below normal rainfall in much of the South Island and in the east of the North Island, and no more than normal rainfall over the rest of the county. We're also likely to have weaker than normal westerly winds.
According to Niwa, seasonal rainfall totals, soil moisture levels and stream flows are likely to be near normal or below normal in Wairarapa and sea surface temperatures, which are presently near normal around New Zealand, are expected to become warmer than normal around the North Island as the season progresses. "Such warm, dry and settled conditions would probably mean people spending more time outside over summer, with the potential for greater risk of exposure to damaging ultra violet radiation (UVR)."
SunSmart spokesman Wayde Beckman said in most parts of New Zealand over summer, the UVI - a measure of UVR intensity - is 3 or above. A UVI of less than 3 is considered low and greater than 10 is considered extreme.
"We need to slip into the shade, slap on a hat, slop on plenty of broad spectrum SPF30+ sunscreen and wrap on a pair of sunglasses, especially between 11am and 4pm," Mr Beckham said.
"It's not the sun's heat that burns but UVR, and sunburn is linked to melanoma, which kills about 250 Kiwis every year.
"Never get sunburnt and remember that there's no such thing as a safe tan - any change in skin colour is a sign that damage has already taken place."
Niwa provides daily forecasts of the UVI that are available online at www.niwa.co.nz/our-services/online-services/uv-and-ozone/forecasts.
For advice on choosing a sunscreen and sunglasses visit your pharmacy.
