The north and east are expected to stay hot and dry in the week ahead, while the outlook for the west and south of both islands is cooler and less settled. Later in the week, severe gales are forecast for the South Island high country, with a possibility of gales in Wellington on Friday. MARTIN DE RUYTER As the region bakes under a run of hot, dry weather, residents hope they won't see a repeat of last year's tinder-dry landscape. MetService meteorologist Andrew James said a high pressure system over the North Island was set to stay for a while longer. "That ridge is focused over the upper part of the North Island.

Source: Stuff January 26, 2020 23:15 UTC