Police Warn Otago Riparian Campers to Be Watchful When Heavy Rain Is Approaching

Police are warning people camping in Otago to be vigilant as heavy rains are forecast for the next few days, which could cause rivers and streams to swell.

“We know that Otago is a popular vacation destination, especially during the summer months and holidays,” police said.

“The Central Otago, Waitaki and Coastal Otago areas often see an influx of tourists during the New Year holidays, particularly at popular camping spots.”

People must be prepared before going camping so that they are not trapped by rising waters.

“With the rain forecast for Friday through Sunday, campers and homeless people should consider that waterways, rivers and streams may increase in the coming days.

“Make sure you choose a place that you can easily get out of if the waterways start to rise quickly.

“Tell someone where you are going and for how long and take the right equipment, clothing and food with you.”

In an emergency, call 111, if something has already happened, call 105 or report it online at 105.police.govt.nz.

But for the rest of the country, tomorrow is shaping up to be a dry New Year’s Eve.

The upper part of the country appears to be the warmest place to say goodbye to 2020, with a high of 25 ° C and a low of 14 ° C forecast for Whangārei, although there could be some showers in the afternoon.

Auckland is not far behind, with a high of 24 ° C and a low of 15 ° C.

From Wellington to the west coast and through the center of the North Island, it was expected to enjoy good weather all day, although temperatures were likely to be slightly lower, around 22 ° C.

Across the country, the forecast for tomorrow is good weather in most parts, however the west coast may see some erratic showers later in the day, while inland parts of Southland, Otago and South Canterbury they could see rain developing and turn into rain overnight, according to Weatherwatch.

It could be a wet night for those heading to Rhythm and Alps, with rain forecast for tomorrow night around Wanaka.

On the North Island, the day can start with a few patches of drizzle around Gisborne and the Hawke’s Bay shoreline, but it should clear by dusk.

New Year’s Eve forecast

Feed: Good, but possibility to shower in the afternoon or at night. High 25 degrees, low 14 degrees.

Auckland: Mainly fine. Light winds. High 24C, low 15C.

Tauranga: Penalty fee. Gentle winds and sea breezes. High 23C, low 14C.

Napier: Cloudy periods. Some showers, clearing up during the morning. The south winds died down in the afternoon. High 21C, low 12C.

New Plymouth: Penalty fee. Light winds. High 21C, low 12C.

Wellington: Morning cloud, then okay. South breezes. High 20C, low 13C.

Nelson: Some morning cloud, then good. Cloud returning at night. Light winds. High 20C, low 13C.

Christchurch: A mostly cloudy day but some good afternoon breaks. Northeast frescoes. High 19C, low 11C.

Queenstown: Mostly cloudy. Some showers since afternoon, some possibly heavy. Light winds. High 22C, low 13C.

Dunedin: A mostly cloudy day with a few showers since the afternoon. Northeasterlies. High 20C, low 13C.