Weather

The warm spell is set to end this week as a weather system moves up the country.

Classes have been suspended at thousands of schools and there are fears for people's health as the mercury spikes.

At least four people died and scores were injured in Oklahoma after dozens of twisters swept the US Southern Plains, while weather alerts put more than 7 million Americans under tornado warnings.

Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for Selwyn, Ashburton, Hurunui, Waimakariri and Christchurch City.

A flood damaged rail bridge has been reopened after a support was swept away in high water, leaving the 610m-long structure sagging, but a mayor says more work is needed on crucial infrastructure.

MetService expects winds of up to 109km/h in central Wellington for later on Anzac Day.

The bill was introduced by the previous government in June last year. Audio

Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington dawn ceremonies should be dry but wind and rain expected for Anzac Day, especially in the south.

The country is not ready to respond to large-scale disasters, a major report into last year's catastrophic storms says.

El Niño, which has delivered a lack of rain in the east and cooler weather lately, is on the way out, NIWA says. Audio

Travellers' plans are being hampered by low visibility, while further north, people are being warned of downpours and thunderstorms.

Heavy rain watches have been put in place for the northern half of the North Island from Saturday afternoon.

The upper North Island has been hit by heavy rain overnight and more is to come.

Temperatures soared above 48C in Mali last month with one hospital linking hundreds of deaths to the extreme heat.

A lack of rain on the North Island's East Coast may be good for the area's fruit and vegetable growers - but the dry is starting to bite for pastoral farmers.

Flights into Dubai International Airport have been diverted after a storm hit the region.

Freight crossings on the Rangitata rail bridge will be paused for another few days while repairs are carried out.

Storms have eased overnight though parts of the country may still experience strong winds and showers today.