The country’s east coast is preparing for two sweltering days, with temperatures tipped to hit 30C and higher under “dangerously” high UV levels.
Today, temperatures in Ōamaru and Timaru are expected to climb to 30C while Christchurch is forecast to reach 29C.
At 11.30am, the hottest place in the country was Mosgiel, with a temperature reaching just over 27C.
However, sunny skies may give way to rain, particularly in the west of the South Island and central areas of the North Island, with a risk of thunderstorms this afternoon.
MetService meteorologist Samkelo Magwala said temperatures were expected to be well above average for November, with places like Napier soaring to 31C, some 5C higher than average.
Magwala did not dismiss more alerts being issued as the day continued.
On its website, MetService urged people to take these alerts seriously, pointing out the risk for vulnerable people.
Is summer finally here? ☀☀
— MetService NZ (@MetService) November 25, 2025
You may want to keep your sunscreen handy as temperatures for the next couple of days will reach high 20’s and low 30’s🌡🔥
Keep an eye on our website as heat alert maybe issued🧐
To find out more on heat alert: https://t.co/No53UJdu2a pic.twitter.com/s1lNQ9XWor
“Everyone is vulnerable to extreme heat. However, babies and infants, older people, those with pre-existing medical conditions or on certain medications are more at risk.
“International research shows that extreme heat and heatwaves can cause illness and death, but effective planning and actions can readily reduce its effects on health.”
Magwala said a low-pressure system over the Tasman Sea and warm wind being pushed on to the country were responsible for the high temperatures over coming days.
He said for eastern parts of both islands of the country there might be light showers which would make for a muggy afternoon.
Good morning🌄
— MetService NZ (@MetService) November 25, 2025
It’s a contrast of two islands this morning.
🌧️🌦️☔️Cloudy with rain for South Islander as a front moves over them.
🌥️Partly cloudy and mainly dry for those in the North Island but a few spots of morning showers in Gisborne, Bay of Plenty and Northland.… pic.twitter.com/6ismj08usS
Magwala advised even those wanting to beat the heat to enjoy at least a little time in the sun over the next few days before the weather turns later in the week.
MetService has upgraded a heavy rain watch in Tasman to a heavy rain warning from 9am to 2pm for Tasman and rain watches are in place for Buller, the Grey District and the Richmond Range and the Bryant Range.
Heavy rain warnings are in place for Westland and the Canterbury headwaters south of Arthurs Pass tomorrow, with a strong wind warning also issued for the Canterbury High Country, as gusts could reach 120km/h.
Elsewhere, a strong wind watch has been issued for Fiordland, with gusts reaching about 90km/h in exposed places. Heavy rain watches have been issued for Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound, the Otago headwaters and the Grey District.
⚠️Severe Weather Update 🟠🟡
— MetService NZ (@MetService) November 25, 2025
Today:
Tasman west of Takaka has been upgraded to a Heavy Rain Warning 🟠🌧️
A Heavy Rain Watch has been issued for the Richmond and Bryant Ranges, including the Rai Valley 🟡🌧️
The validity times has been updated for Buller 🌧️🟡
Tomorrow:… pic.twitter.com/CB3bhgwWTf
As the country heats up, the temperatures were expected to combine with the wind to cause showers to develop in parts during the afternoon and evening.
MetService said there was a moderate risk of thunderstorms for southeast Waikato, inland Bay of Plenty including Rotorua, Taupō, inland and southern Hawke’s Bay, eastern Taihape and the east of Tararua District.
The thunderstorms could see bouts of intense heavy rain and small hail.
In many areas across the country, the UV is expected to climb to a “dangerous” level 10 on the index.
Magwala advised everyone to apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses today, even if it is overcast.