Weather

At Freyberg Beach, three friends sought shelter from the blazing sun under the shade of a tree, saying the weather was too good not to make the most of.

Climate records tumbled "like dominoes" in 2023, with temperatures far above any recorded level.

2023 was one of NZ's hottest on record, but far from the wettest, while Whakatāne and Nelson have lost their crown as the country's sunniest spots.

Temperatures are soaring and won't be dropping overnight - so what do experts suggest for getting some sleep? Audio

If the measures do not reduce demand, level two restrictions will be introduced - banning sprinkler use and only allowing watering by handheld hoses.

While Wellington City, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt have heat alerts in place for Wednesday, Auckland's temperature is not expected to drop below 17 degrees for the next 10 days.

The hot weather is expected to continue today, with temperatures expected to climb in coming days while warm nights linger. Audio

Alerts for heavy downpours are in place for parts of the South Island, as the rest of the country prepares for heat.

Some Pacific nations are feeling the bite of El Niño through dry conditions, while others in drought get relief through above average rainfall.

The review led by Mike Bush is investigating how well prepared officials were prior to Cyclone Gabrielle, as well as the agency's immediate emergency response.

Victoria has been battered by heavy rain and flooding, with residents in parts of the towns of Seymour and Yea being urged to evacuate.

More care needs to be taken to prevent grass fires along a rail corridor this summer, a district councillor says. Audio

A severe thunderstorm warning has been lifted for Northland, but watches are in place for Coromandel and parts of Waikato and the Bay of Plenty.

Parts of the North Island battered by heavy rain last summer could be in for another bout later this month.

Big parts of the country are set for a drop in temperature, with rain forecast on Saturday. Audio