Key Takeaways:
- A heatwave is expected to hit New Zealand over the weekend, with temperatures reaching up to 37C in some areas.
- Fire and Emergency has warned of increased fire risk, particularly in Canterbury, Marlborough, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti, and Northland.
- People are advised not to light outdoor fires and to put off activities that could generate sparks, such as mowing the lawn and using power tools.
- Climate change is causing hotter, drier, and more variable conditions, increasing the risk of wildfires.
- Fire and Emergency is urging caution and advising people to be careful with hot exhaust pipes and undersides of cars when driving over grass.
Introduction to the Heatwave
The heatwave is expected to hit New Zealand over the weekend, with temperatures reaching up to 37C in some areas. MetService has warned that the heat will really ramp up over the weekend, with forecasts indicating 35C to 37C around Hawke’s Bay, 30C to 31C in Northland, and 28C to 31C for North Canterbury and Marlborough. This could surpass last year’s record high, which was 35.6 degrees on December 7. The warmth is coming from Australia, driven by an area of high pressure that is picking up moisture along the way and delivering hot, moist air to New Zealand.
Fire Risk and Precautions
Fire and Emergency has warned of increased fire risk, particularly in Canterbury, Marlborough, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti, and Northland. The deputy chief executive, Nick Pyatt, said that the conditions are a perfect storm for wildfire risk, with temperatures expected to surpass 30 degrees, wind gusts of 30km/h, and low humidity. People are advised not to light outdoor fires and to put off activities that could generate sparks, such as mowing the lawn and using power tools. Pyatt also urged people to be cautious of hot exhaust pipes and undersides of cars when driving over grass, as these can ignite fires.
Causes of Wildfires
Fire and Emergency wildfire manager Tim Mitchell said that people cause 97% of wildfires in New Zealand. Climate change is also a contributing factor, causing hotter, drier, and more variable conditions. Other factors, such as housing sprawl into more rural areas, the increasing use of lithium-ion batteries, and more powerful vehicles that allow access to remote areas, are also adding to the increased fire risk. Mitchell said that drivers need to be cautious of hot exhaust pipes and undersides of cars when driving over grass, as these can ignite fires.
Firefighter Strike
Paid firefighters are due to strike for an hour from 12pm-1pm on Friday, amid ongoing negotiations over pay and conditions between the Professional Firefighters’ Union and Fire and Emergency NZ. Fire and Emergency has urged caution, highlighting increased wildfire risk and advising against activities that could spark fires. The union’s national secretary, Wattie Watson, said that the strike would go ahead, despite Fire and Emergency’s request to call it off due to heightened fire risks.
Public Enjoying the Weather
Despite the heatwave and fire risk, many people are enjoying the fine weather. In Wellington, residents were treated to a rare still, sunny day on Thursday, with many taking advantage of the conditions to visit the beach. Churton Park residents Emma and Harry headed to Oriental Bay to soak up the sun, while Jen and her mum, who was visiting from Scotland, enjoyed coffee and ice cream on the waterfront. Christchurch family Emily, Nathan, Lexi, and Xavier, who were joined by grandmother Betty-Ann, who was visiting from England, also enjoyed a beautiful day at the beach.
Beach Cleanup
Crews are still working hard to clear logs and driftwood from Gisborne beaches after last weekend’s storm. The district council said that progress is slower than expected due to the amount of debris, which is estimated to be around 8600 cubic meters. The council is warning people to stay away from the affected beaches while the cleanup is in progress. Despite the challenges, crews are doing their best to clear space for beach-goers, with the national surfing championships scheduled to take place in Gisborne over the weekend.