‘Major change is expected’: 30C Labour Weekend scorcher before storm

Families gearing up for a long weekend getaway could enjoy a taste of summer with temperatures potentially hitting 30C. 

But forecasters warn a “major change” is on its way, with heavy rain and strong winds arriving on Labour Day. 

MetService says conditions could deteriorate sharply on Monday, particularly across the South Island, where motorists could face difficult journeys home. 

Meteorologist Katie Lyons told the Herald that the long weekend would be a tale of two halves. 

“The North Island, for the vast majority, is really going to be quite fine for mostly all three days,” she said. 

Temperatures could soar into the high 20s in eastern parts of the country. 

Hastings is forecast to reach 28C and Christchurch could match that tomorrow. 

On Labour Day, Napier is forecast to reach 27C, while areas from Kaikōura to Dunedin could reach 25C to 27C. 

In a joint Labour Weekend forecast, Earth Sciences New Zealand forecaster Chester Lampkin and MetService meteorologist John Law also highlighted that the mercury could climb higher. 

“I think 30C in parts of Hawke’s Bay or even into parts of Canterbury, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it. I think it’s 3 or 4C off at the moment, but it’s nudging closer,” Law said. 

He warned the combination of heat, dry conditions and strengthening winds could increase the risk of fires spreading, particularly in Canterbury and Otago. 

But the South Island faces deteriorating conditions by Monday, with Earth Sciences New Zealand saying “a major change is expected”. 

Rain is set to develop along the West Coast on Sunday before an active cold front sweeps north on Monday. 

The Canterbury High Country could experience particularly strong northwesterly winds. 

“[For] anyone travelling around any of these higher South Island mountain roads, there could be some very heavy rain and very strong winds.” 

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

Lyons echoed those concerns, urging campers to take extra care before Monday’s rain arrives. 

While no severe weather warnings were in force last night, MetService said heavy rain and strong wind watches or warnings could be issued as the front approaches. 

Despite the sharp contrast between sunshine and stormy conditions, Lyons said the pattern was typical of spring. 

“It does feel like it gives us whiplash and we constantly question what season we’re in.”