Doing bombs off the bridge is a Waitangi tradition. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf
Waitangi Day is due to bring hot and dry weather across most of the country, with some areas expected to reach into the mid 30s.
MetService said the public holiday will be marked with sunshine at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and all across the North Island, with temperatures of mid-to-high 20s from Kaitaia to Wellington.
"High pressure will mean that for much of Aotearoa New Zealand, Waitangi Day will be a dry one with fine weather on the cards for those on the North Island," meteorologist John Law said.
Law said the South Island is mostly in for the same, with highs of 34 through parts of Canterbury.
"The combination of dry conditions, high temperatures and strong winds through parts of Canterbury add to the fire risk for the region," he said.
However, not everyone was destined for the beach with their day off, as MetService issued severe weather warnings for Fiordland.
"Fronts moving up the country are set to bring rain into Fiordland and Southland for Waitangi Day," Law said.
⚠ Severe Weather Warnings and Watches updated:
— MetService (@MetService) February 4, 2024
Fiordland is now under a Heavy Rain Warning,
A Strong Wind Watch covers Southland and Fiordland from this evening. pic.twitter.com/Aa5UJrOALY
Fiordland and Southland also had strong wind watches in place, and stronger winds were also expected in inland parts of Canterbury and Otago.
MetService said the gusts could elevate to severe gales in exposed places.
Meanwhile, Fire and Emergency said the risk of wildfires is extreme in Northland, Auckland, Waipara, Canterbury and Otago because of the soaring temperatures.
FENZ has already contained two wildfires in the Canterbury region on Monday.
National wildfire specialist Tim Mitchell said the fire danger rating has gone into the extreme level in some spots.
He said 98 percent of all wildfires in New Zealand are caused by human activity, so if people take precautions, the country can live with quite a high level of risk.
