Tuesday’s temperature was also one of the warmest recorded this summer across the country. “While we understand that the longer journey might cause some inconvenience for passengers, safety is paramount.”NIWA Previous heat records for Canterbury. The spokesperson said speed restrictions were a standard safety practice used both in New Zealand and internationally in hot weather. The soaring temperatures came as the Christchurch City Council increase water restrictions from level 2 to 3 for Akaroa, Duvauchelle and Takamatua on Banks Peninsula. An update from the council said the increasingly hot and windy conditions were putting pressure on water supplies.

Source: Stuff January 26, 2021 08:19 UTC