December 2025 heat and weather forecasts

The story so far

MetService forecast high temperatures of over 30C for parts of the North Island on the weekend of 4 December, while the South Island faced a changeable weather pattern.^{4 Dec 2025} Highs of 30C were forecast for Christchurch, Ashburton and Oamaru on Friday, with a heat alert issued for Oamaru and a strong wind watch for the lower South Island.^{5 Dec 2025} The warm weather was expected to move to the North Island's east coast over the weekend.^{5 Dec 2025} By 7 December, heat alerts had been issued for Hastings, where temperatures were expected to reach 34C, and for Gisborne, where temperatures were climbing into the 30s, with residents urged to stay hydrated and seek shade.^{8 Dec 2025} By 8 December, temperatures across New Zealand were still high, with North Island readings expected to exceed 30C and forecasts of low 20s to high 30s over the coming days.^{9 Dec 2025}

Latest

As of 8 December, New Zealand was experiencing hot weather, with North Island temperatures expected to exceed 30C.^{9 Dec 2025} Forecasts indicated temperatures would stay in the low 20s to high 30s over the coming days.^{9 Dec 2025}

What's next

Heat alerts may be issued for eastern parts of the country.^{9 Dec 2025}

Key moments

1. 4 Dec 2025MetService forecasts over 30C for parts of the North Island this weekend.
2. 5 Dec 2025Heat alert issued for Oamaru; 30C highs forecast for Friday in three centres.
3. 8 Dec 2025Heat alerts issued for Hastings, with 34C expected, and for Gisborne.
4. 9 Dec 2025Temperatures forecast to stay high; heat alerts possible for eastern areas.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.