Temperatures set to soar to 30C in Christchurch, just as restricted fire season kicks in

Cantabrians should prepare to lather on the sunblock as hot temperatures are expected to hit the region from Thursday – the same day a restricted fire season kicks in.

All outdoor fires must have a permit in a restricted fire season.

The current and forecast weather, along with drying vegetation, meant restrictions were placed on outdoor blazes such as bonfires and campfires, Fire and Emergency NZ district manager Dave Stackhouse said.

“We have seen an increase in the number of rural fires and they are getting harder for our crews to get on top of and contain,” Stackhouse said.

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MetService forecaster Paul Ngamanu said Christchurch was expected to reach 30C on Thursday, 29C on Friday, and the late 20s all next week, well above the average temperature for this time of year of 23C.

“There’s a bit of a change in the wind-flow, so there’s a cooler weekend coming, and then the northerly flow comes in early next week and Christchurch is back into high 20s once again,” Ngamanu said.

Te Mana Ora, Community and Public Health, issued its own warning to Cantabrians to drink plenty of water and stay out of the sun where possible. .

“Avoid extreme physical exertion and ensure pets and people are not left alone in stationary cars,” medical officer Dr Ramon Pink said.

People working outdoors should drink at least half a litre of water an hour, reapply sunscreen every two hours, allow for more breaks in the shade and schedule the hardest work in the coolest part of the day, Pink said.

The checkitsalright.nz website has detailed advice on outdoor fire safety and shows what restrictions are in place across the whole country.