Weather: Heat alert in Whakatāne amid high North Island temperatures, light rain for South Island

Glue said Whakatāne’s two-day heat alert indicates “higher than expected temperatures” over extended periods, including overnight.

She advised people in heat-stricken areas to “keep hydrated, seek shade, and to check in with vulnerable people, your pets, and your livestock as well.”

Meanwhile, a weak front bringing clouds and rain over the South Island is set to rise and stall over central parts of New Zealand.

Glue told the Herald it is expected to bring light rain to areas including Buller in the South Island’s northern West Coast and the Manawatū region in the lower North Island today.

“Later in the day, we do have another front moving on to the lower South Island, bringing some rain to the lower parts of the South Island, and some strong westerly winds associated with those fronts as well,” she said.

Nelson will reach 26C, Christchurch 24C, and Dunedin 23C today. Invercargill is expected to reach “just” 19C.

Next week, Kiwis are set to largely enjoy a breather from a turbulent summer as conditions are expected to settle.

Glue said people could expect a return to “more normal temperatures” during the new week, with “cooler temperatures up north and more moderate, warmer temperatures for the places down south”.

Isolated showers were expected for South Island’s West Coast on Tuesday, however.

“Looks like we’re in for a period of more settled weather after the more active weather we’ve had in the last month or so.”

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