Pockets of the North Island could slide into drought if a big rainmaker doesn't come soon.

Parts of Otago could be hit with an increase in winter rain and soaring temperatures.

MetService Weather Christchurch: January 10th

MetService Weather Wellington: January 10th

MetService Weather National: January 10th - 11th

MetService Weather Auckland: January 10th

Last year was NZ's fourth hottest on record - continuing a trend 'that is not our friend'.

New Zealand's summer is set to heat up again after a post-New Year cool spell.

MetService Weather Christchurch: January 9th.

MetService Weather Auckland: January 9th.

Focus Live: Surfers take to Lake Taupō after strong winds create waves. Video / Will Trafford

MetService Weather Auckland: January 8th 2020

MetService Weather National: January 7th - 9th 2020

MetService Weather Wellington: January 8th 2020

MetService Weather Christchurch: January 8th 2020

Expert asks Australian politicians: How can you sleep when your beds are burning?

The weather will gradually improve as the week progresses, the MetService says.

'We are still a month away from the riskiest time.'

MetService Weather Wellington: January 7th

MetService Weather Christchurch: January 7th 2020

MetService Severe Weather: January 6th - 7th 2020

Focus Live Earlier: Bush fire smoke from Australia could turn skies orange in New Zealand again.

Auckland and Northland were plunged into gloom as the haze hit the North Island.

Smoke from the Australian bushfires affected the atmosphere above the North Island.

Australian bushfires are altering the skies 2000km away.

Smoke from the Australian bushfires has made its way over the Tasman Sea again.

Summer is put on hold this week for some unlucky parts of the country.

MetService Weather Auckland: January 4th

MetService Weather National: January 3rd - 5th