Photo: MetService screenshot
MetService has cancelled two heat alerts for two South Island towns.
The east of the South Island is preparing for a hot day with temperatures predicted to reach the high 20s in some areas.
MetService says heat alerts were originally in place for Timaru and Oamaru for Wednesday, but cloud is keeping the temperatures lower than predicted.
Good morning
— MetService NZ (@MetService) November 25, 2025
It’s a contrast of two islands this morning.
️️☔️Cloudy with rain for South Islander as a front moves over them.
️Partly cloudy and mainly dry for those in the North Island but a few spots of morning showers in Gisborne, Bay of Plenty and Northland.… pic.twitter.com/6ismj08usS
But a spokesperson hasn't ruled out heat alerts being issued tomorrow and says people should keep an eye on the forecast.
Heat alerts are normally available from December through to February but conditions meant monitoring had started earlier this year, lead forecaster Chelsea Glue said.
"There are two things that can trigger a heat alert, the first is a one-off extreme high temperature for the maximum temperature for the day," she said.
"The second is prolonged period of not quite so extreme, but still warm days and nights as well and it's the second situation we might be finding ourselves in."
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging people to pause plans for outdoor fires with an increased fire risk from today.
Mid-South Canterbury District Commander Rob Hands said fires will be hard to control in these conditions and people need to check that previous fire sites are completely extinguished.
"Any forecast of extra strong winds is a concern for us, in particularly around people having previous lit fires and may or may not have extinguished them properly," he said.
"It only takes a gust of maybe 20 to 30 kilometres (an hour) of wind to challenge a fire site, and we've got winds forecasted of up to 120 kilometres an hour."
While Mid and South Canterbury remained under an open fire season, Hands said fire seasons were expected to change, likely next week.
Plenty of weather in the second half of the week
— MetService NZ (@MetService) November 25, 2025
Rain and wind reach the South Island on Wed, with Heavy Rain Watches in the west. A stronger round follows on Thu with heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds likely️⚡️
By Friday the focus shifts to the North Island, with… pic.twitter.com/mBv9kpniYC
Heavy rain, strong winds on the way
Meanwhile, MetService is also predicting heavy rain for parts of the country.
A warning is in place for Tasman west of Takaka until 2pm. As much as 50mm of rainfall is expected today with a second period of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms for tomorrow.
There's also a heavy rain watch for Buller until noon, and the Westland ranges until 4pm.
An orange heavy rain warning has been issued for Westland for tomorrow. Up to 230mm could fall about the ranges, while up to 90mm might fall about the coast.
A similar orange warning applies to the Canterbury headwaters south of Arthurs Pass from 4am-1pm tomorrow with up to 230mm of rain about the main divide and up to 140mm within 20km further east.
There's an orange strong wind warning for the Canterbury High Country and the Plains near the foothills from 6am to 5pm. Severe gale norwesters up to 120km/h are possible in exposed places.
The forecast severe gales and heavy rain could make driving hazardous on South Island roads.
Waka Kotahi said driving might be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles, towing vehicles and motorcycles, and the bad weather could bring down trees or powerlines.
A spokesperson said the heavy rain meant motorists should prepare for slippery roads and adjust their speed and avoid sudden braking.
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