Hastings is under heat alert, set to reach 34 degrees. Photo: RNZ/Alexa Cook
Hastings is set to hit 34 degrees today as the region swelters under a heat alert, following a hot weekend.
Health New Zealand is warning residents to keep cool and hydrated over the next week as the mercury soars on the East Coast.
Temperatures between 26 and 34 Degrees Celsius are forecast out to Thursday in Hawke's Bay.
Its been a scorcher of a day, with new maximum December temperatures provisionally set in Tauranga and Whitianga.
— MetService NZ (@MetService) December 7, 2025
Whitianga was particularly notable, smashing the previous December record of 28.8°C, which was set in 1998, by 2.1°C! pic.twitter.com/SwnV1Lypqc
Hawke's Bay's Medical Officer of Health, Dr Matt Radford, said while Kiwis may welcome a run of hot weather, the heat can affect everyone and overheating can be fatal.
"It's especially important to stay out of the sun where possible, avoid extreme physical exertion and ensure pets and people are not left alone in stationary cars.
"While we are all vulnerable to hot temperatures, some people are particularly at risk. This includes the elderly, infants and children, women who are pregnant, people suffering from chronic, acute and severe illness," he said.
On Sunday in Tauranga and Whitianga new maximum December temperatures were set - Whitiangaclimbed ot 30.9 degrees, smashing the previous December record of 28.8 degrees which was set in 1998, by 2.1 degrees celsius. And Tauranga reached 31.2 degrees celsius. Rotorua also had its 4th hottest December day on record, of 28 degrees.
A heat alert from MetService has been issued for Hawke's Bay, warning residents to take care - especially babies, infants and older people.
"International research shows that extreme heat and heatwaves can cause illness and death, but effective planning and actions can readily reduce its effects on health," MetService said.
Meteorologist Chris Brandolino told RNZ temperatures could go even higher than currently forecast in Hawke's Bay.
"The hottest temperature today in the country will probably be in the Hawke's Bay region and somewhere between 34 and 36 degrees - depends if that happens at a climate station though - but mid 30s are expected today."
He said those temperatures are 'certainly unusual' and being driven by marine heatwave conditions.
"It's coming off a very warm spring and especially November, ocean temperatures have become unusually warm across the waters adjacent to New Zealand," Brandolino said.
"The oceans are not just unusually warm, but highly unusually warm, and that has an upward influence on our air temperatures ... it can load the dice for warmer days and certainly warmer nights."
While on land, the heat will continue throughout this week for the East Coast of the North Island.
"Albeit maybe not quite as intense, I think we will see fewer 30 degree temperatures across the country tomorrow - but we should see a wealth of temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees on Tuesday, on Wednesday, and even into Thursday," he said.
All of which then heats the ocean, creating an ongoing warming influence.
"We get this kind of loop going around ... we're leading into a very hot start to summer."
But there is some heat relief on the horizon, as under historical La Nina conditions, Brandolino said there could be an increase in East to North East winds early in January.
"Whenever we have a change in air flow that does influence a change in rainfall and temperature. So that may reduce these really spiky hot days that we've been seeing for the eastern parts of both islands," Brandolino said.
"I wouldn't be suprised if there are fewer 35 degree days, as we head into January and February - but in exchange we see more in the ways of high humidity days and warmer nights, and we do run the risk of bigger rain events."
Tips for managing in hot weather events
- If you feel dizzy, weak or have an intense thirst or headache you may be dehydrated.
- Drink water and rest in a cool place. Seek help if symptoms persist.
- If you are experiencing painful muscle cramps, your body may need electrolytes as well as fluid.
- Drinking oral rehydration solutions or zero sugar sports drinks may help.
- Seek medical advice if heat cramps last for more than one hour.
Keeping yourself and others safe in hot weather
- Drink plenty of water - try to drink two litres per day
- Stay out of the sun
- Have plenty of cold drinks
- If you need to be in the heat, stay in the shade where possible
- Avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine, and hot drinks
- Use sunscreen and wear a hat
- Dress yourself and children in light clothing, cool cottons and natural fabrics are best
- Avoid extreme physical exertion
- People and pets should not be left in stationary vehicles
- Take a cool shower or bath
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