Fifteen heat alerts have been issued across New Zealand as the sizzling temperatures ramp up. Heat alerts are in place for Kerikeri, Whangārei, Whitianga, Tauranga, Whakatāne, Rotorua and Taupō. Heat alerts are also in place for Gisborne, Napier, Hastings, Motueka, Blenheim, Kaikōura, Christchurch and Timaru. Strong wind watches are also in place for eastern Canterbury and the lower South Island. Further north, there are heavy rain watches across the Grey and Buller districts in the upper South Island this afternoon and evening.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 10, 2026 17:53 UTC