Many will be seeking out shade this week as soaring temperatures prompt heat alerts. Photo / Sylvie WhinrayMany will be seeking out shade this week as soaring temperatures prompt heat alerts. Photo / Sylvie WhinrayHeat alerts can be expected this week as temperatures soar in both islands, before a change on Friday brings the threat of heavy downpours this weekend. Warmer-than-average temperatures are expected for most of the country this week, with heat alerts possible for Thursday. MetService meteorologist Silvia Martino said afternoon temperatures were set to climb into the high 20s on Thursday, with some places in Wairarapa and Canterbury potentially cracking 30C; 6 or 7C above average for this time of year.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 09, 2026 19:12 UTC