WARNINGS IN NZ AS TEMPERATURES TO RISE
With more warm weather on the way, New Zealanders are being warned of the health dangers that it can bring after the death of a woman in Christchurch.
A woman with multiple sclerosis died from overheating last Wednesday, prompting a warning from the Chief Coroner.
On Friday Chief Coroner Judge Deborah Marshall said people with multiple sclerosis, or other illnesses which make them susceptible to overheating, need to keep an eye on symptoms worsening in the hot weather.
Last Wednesday, Christchurch hit 32°C and Waiau 37°C, and yesterday parts of the country were expected to hit 34°C. Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Alistair Humphrey said most people with a chronic condition will find the condition gets worse if they are dehydrated. He said older people and children are also particularly at risk from the impacts of heat stress. Dr Humphrey said the most important thing is to drink plenty of water.
Tauranga had already reached 25.6°C yesterday morning and the coolest temperature is a balmy 17.9°C in Kaikōura. MetService Meterologist James Millward said Wanaka was said to feel most of the heat yesterday.
“It’s going to be a nice roasty weekend for a lot of people, especially the long weekenders,” he said.
Mr Millward said Aucklanders could expect a maximum of 29°C which goes right through to tomorrow.
And while more scorching weather is forecast for much of the country this weekend - MetService yesterday morning issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Waitomo, Taumarunui, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo, Gisborne, Taranaki and Taihape. MetService said the combination of another very warm humid day and light winds are expected to allow daytime cloud buildups to produce scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms about the central North Island again yesterday. RNZ