Herald NOW Weather: October 9, 2025. Video / MetService
Warm temperatures this week are hinting at the arrival of summer, while some parts of the country are experiencing heavy rain, strong winds, muggy nights and overcast skies.
MetService said a warm, moisture-laden system is tracking over the country from the Tasman Sea, bringing long-lived rain to the WestCoast of the South Island.
MetService meteorologist John Law told the Herald the country is set to experience sticky temperatures and a “burst of warmth” over the next few days.
He said the eastern parts of both islands, such as places like Napier, are set to reach highs of about 27C.
A dog walker enjoys the sunshine at Sumner Beach in Christchurch, where temperatures are set to reach up to 25C over the next few days. Photo / George Heard
“Foehn winds are likely to make an appearance for Cantabrians, dry, gusty and unseasonably warm,” MetService said.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has a moderate fire risk in place for the region.
It's already starting to feel like summer at Sumner Beach in Christchurch. Photo / George Heard
“The next few days will be a bit of a burst of warmth. After that, I think back down to say more normal and more seasonal as we head into next week,” he said.
“It’s really a case of a very warm weekend.”
Law said places such as Christchurch and Kaikōura are likely to have highs of 24C to 25C.
“Towards places like Auckland, classically it’s been pretty warm anyway, 22C ... And again, very warm nights, 14C or so.”
Wellington should expect to have daytime highs of around 18C and lows of about 15C.
He said the main thing people will notice is the slight change in day and night temperatures.
Watches and warnings
An orange heavy rain warning will be in place for the Tararua Range and Buller District until Saturday afternoon.
The same warning is in place until late Friday morning for the Grey District, Westland District about and north of the glaciers and the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers from around Mt Cook to Arthur’s Pass.
