MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley told the Herald a heat alert warns people of more than a “typical hot summer’s day”. Gusts of up to 130km/h are expected in exposed parts of the Canterbury high country and the surrounding foothills. Heavy rain warnings are in place for parts of Westland and Fiordland, with a burst of rain expected on Saturday and Sunday. Pawley advised people in affected areas to prepare their properties and drive cautiously in anticipation of the heavy rain and wind. The Earth Sciences seasonal climate outlook for January to March also indicated above-average rainfall for the north and east of the North Island, and below-average rainfall for the west of the South Island.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 09, 2026 18:14 UTC