Labour weekend scorcher: Temps to hit sweltering 28C before rain, wind sweeps in

Kiwis are in for a Labour weekend scorcher, with temperatures set to hit a sweltering 28C before wet and windy weather sweeps in on Monday.

MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris told the Herald that temperatures were forecast to be warmer than average for most, and the weather would remain mostly settled into Sunday.

“It is going to be eastern areas which are going to see the extremes,” Ferris said.

He said the warmest spots could reach 10C above average for this time of year.

On Saturday, Christchurch is tipped to reach 28C. On Labour Day, Napier will see 27C and Hastings 28C. Kaikōura down to Dunedin are expected to reach highs of 25-27C.

Although record-breaking temperatures are unlikely, Ferris said Christchurch could hit the top five.

Kiwis are in for a Labour Day weekend scorcher, with temperatures set to hit 28C. Photo / File

Ferris said it would be a “battle” between Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay for the hottest temperature of the weekend.

“The hottest temperatures around the country will probably be on Saturday, but on Sunday it might just be a little bit more widespread.

“Even Monday looks to be warm for most.”

Auckland is forecast to reach a high of 21C this weekend, and Wellington will only crack 16C.

‘Mainly settled’ weather before conditions flip

From Friday to Sunday, Ferris said the “mostly settled” weather driven by a ridge of high pressure would continue.

Although conditions are expected to remain calm, some showers are forecast to be “sprinkled into western areas” on Saturday.

“Not the type of weather that would ruin a day out; it’d just be unfortunate if you happened to be in one of those areas,” Ferris said.

He said a “turn in the weather” was expected to arrive on Monday because “this settled weather can’t last forever”.

An active cold front was set to move on to the South Island, bringing heavy rain mainly to western parts.

Some of that rain will spread east and south, accompanied by strong northwesterly winds.

“For people who will be travelling around the South Island on Monday, they will want to be keeping up with the forecast because it is the type of weather that could actually affect your travel plans,” Ferris said.

An active cold front is expected to move on to the South Island, bringing heavy rain mainly to western areas. Photo / MetService

He said people travelling over mountainous passes should keep a close eye on conditions, particularly with strong winds expected.

MetService warned heavy rain and strong wind watches and warnings may be issued for parts of the South Island as we get closer to the event.

Ferris said the “strengthening winds” would also travel through the Cook Strait and across the lower North Island.

People from north of Taranaki through to Hawke’s Bay shouldn’t notice much change in the weather on Monday and should expect a “splendid” long weekend, he said.