Waitangi weekend has got off to a wet and windy start for large parts of the country, but the bad weather should pass by the end of Saturday and summer is forecast to resume.
Large crowds as well as politicians are expected at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds this weekend to mark the signing of the treaty. Events today are likely to be hampered by the weather, but it won't last.
Weatherwatch says much of Aotearoa will see severe weather as a big storm in the Southern Ocean passes by. They warn strong winds will make boating in some areas dangerous and there could be isolated power cuts.
Metservice says most of the country will have showers and strong winds, with possible thunderstorms in the South Island.
But it's not the end of summer as much of the bad weather will be gone by Sunday and it will be fine for most places.
Metservice says in its extended forecast Sunday will be good for most of the country but there will be showers in parts of the South Island. The forecast for Monday and Tuesday is the same, with most of the country enjoying fine weather except for parts of the South Island, that will have isolated showers.
The wetter weather has provided relief to the hot temperatures that have made sleeping at night a challenge, but as the rain passes the mercury is set to rise again.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has issued a warning for next week as temperatures for some parts of the country could hit 40 degrees.
"These are going to be really dangerous and hazardous conditions and we absolutely need your support in preventing these fires," said FENZ national wildfire specialist Tim Mitchell.
NIWA warned next week could see some of the hottest temperatures of the summer.
"Our air will be coming from Australia, a hot place, we will be importing really hot temperatures," said Chris Brandonlino of NIWA.
"Some locations, next week, may very well see the hottest air of the summer."
