After heavy rain overnight, Kiwis on the West Coast are in for more torrential downpours as balmy weather across the rest of the country sends temperatures high.
Emergency services across the West Coast are ready to respond to extreme weather which threatens landslides, flooding, and communities potentially being cut off.
MetService issued a red heavy rain warning for the West Coast and said the area should expect 500 to 700 mm of rain to accumulate over the ranges, with the chance for even more rain in some localised areas.
The coast itself is in for 100 to 200 mm with peak rates of 30 to 35 mm/h likely unitil late Friday morning.
West Coast Emergency Management posted on Thursday that "now is the time to prepare for extreme weather".
"The long duration of heavy rain is expected to be especially impactful for Westland south of Otira, and the rain warning there has been upgraded to a RED WARNING," the post said.
They recommend people clear leaves from their trains and spouting, check your emergency bags are ready, move livestock to higher ground, bring pets inside, prepare for possible power outages, and check on your neighbours.
If you have to drive, they recommend having emergency supplies in the car in case you get stranded.
MetService said the weather is expected to cause "dangerous river conditions and significant flooding.
"Slips and floodwaters are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating communities."
There are four sandbag collection points in Hokitika that have been made available by the Westland District Council.
Hokitika is expected to be one of the worst affected areas by flooding and cars causing bow waves.
The West Coast's heavy rain should ease from early on Saturday morning.
Fiordland, the Grey District, and the headwaters of Canterbury lakes and rivers from Arthur's pass southwards have also been issued Orange heavy rain warnings.
Christchurch
On the other side of the South Island, Christchurch is expected the temperature to hit 30C degrees today, rising to 32 on Saturday.
Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, Dr Matt Reid, urged people to be aware of the dangers of overheating
"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," he said.
Those particularly at risk from hot temperatures are the elderly, children, pregnant people, and those suffering from chronic, acute, and severe illnesses.
Dr Reid advises people to stay inside if possible, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and wear lightweight and light-coloured clothing.
Auckland
Aucklanders will be continuing to keep their windows open at night with MetService forecasting a "humid north easterly flow" continuing until Sunday when a low crosses the upper north.
While the low will alter winds, it won't remove the sub-tropical airmass so the mugginess will continue. A south-westerly will be needed to flush out the humidity.
