Key Takeaways:
- Heat alerts have been issued for parts of New Zealand due to a heatwave crossing the Tasman from Australia
- Eastern areas of the country, particularly Hawke’s Bay, are expected to experience high temperatures of up to 35C on Saturday and Sunday
- A heavy rain watch is in place for Fiordland, with potential for heavy rain and strong winds over the weekend
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand has warned of a high risk of wildfires due to the hot and dry conditions
- People are advised to take extra care and postpone outdoor activities that involve fire or spark-generating activities
Introduction to the Heatwave
The remnants of Australia’s heatwave have crossed the Tasman, bringing scorching temperatures to parts of New Zealand. Eastern areas of the country are expected to bear the brunt of the heat, with Hawke’s Bay forecast to experience temperatures of up to 35C on Saturday and Sunday. MetService has issued heat alerts for several areas, including Whakatāne, Napier, Hastings, Motueka, Blenheim, and Kaikōura. The weather forecaster has warned that an area of high pressure is driving westerly winds over the Tasman, picking up moisture along the way and delivering hot, moist air to the country.
Weather Forecast
The heatwave is expected to bring temperatures of 35 to 37C to Hawke’s Bay, 30 to 31C in Northland, and 28 to 31C for North Canterbury and Marlborough. MetService meteorologist Clare O’Connor has warned that while the temperatures are not as high as those experienced in Australia, they are still high for New Zealand and planning accordingly is crucial. The West Coast and Fiordland are forecast to have warning amounts of rainfall through Saturday and Sunday, with strong winds expected to cross the Southern Alps, affecting Otago and Canterbury. The strong winds will also reach the lower North Island, adding to the heat in the east.
Wildfire Risk
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has warned of a high risk of wildfires due to the hot and dry conditions. Deputy chief executive prevention Nick Pyatt has described the combination of high heat, strong wind gusts, and low humidity as the "perfect storm for wildfire risk". The risk is highest in the Canterbury, Marlborough, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti, and Northland districts. Pyatt has urged people in the affected areas to take extra care over the weekend, adding that 97% of wildfires in Aotearoa are caused by people. He has advised people to postpone outdoor activities that involve fire or spark-generating activities, such as using power tools and mowing the lawn.
Precautions and Warnings
Pyatt has also advised people to ensure that any burn piles from recent weeks are fully extinguished, as all it takes is one spark or ember to start a wildfire that can get out of control quickly. O’Connor has agreed, adding that it’s better to wait a couple of days than to take the risk. The hot and humid weather comes as members of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union were set to carry out a one-hour strike on Friday, with volunteers responding to incidents in cities and towns served by paid firefighters. Fire and Emergency and the union are due to meet later this month to discuss the strike action.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the heatwave crossing the Tasman from Australia is expected to bring scorching temperatures to parts of New Zealand, particularly in the eastern areas. The high temperatures, combined with strong winds and low humidity, have created a high risk of wildfires. People are advised to take extra care and postpone outdoor activities that involve fire or spark-generating activities. It’s crucial to prioritize fire safety and take precautions to prevent wildfires from starting. By being mindful of the weather conditions and taking necessary precautions, we can minimize the risk of wildfires and stay safe during this heatwave.
