18 Jan 2024

Heat, wind and rain lash the country

From Morning Report, 7:56 am on 18 January 2024

MetService has issued a heat alert for Auckland, triggered by sweltering overnight temperatures.

Further south, heavy rain is expected on the South Island's West Coast, with severe gales forecast for Fiordland.

MetService is also keeping a close eye on a tropical low developing in the Coral Sea near Queensland, with conditions predicted to reach cyclone strength by next week.

MetService meteorologist John Law spoke to Ben Strang.