Things are set to heat up this Waitangi Weekend, with Tauranga and Rotorua forecast to bask in some of the warmest, driest and most settled weather in the country.

People can expect long, sun‑soaked days and balmy nights, particularly in Tauranga where forecasters warn a Heat Alert may be issued as overnight temperatures offer little relief from very warm daytime highs.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane told the Bay of Plenty Times that only “Sunday looks like it may have a very small chance for a shower, but the rest of the weekend looks to stay dry”.

“However, heads-up that it’s looking like a warm weekend, both day and night-time, especially in Tauranga where a Heat Alert may be issued this weekend when little relief is expected overnight after very warm days.”

In Tauranga, daily highs of around 29 were forecast for Saturday and Sunday, with 26 degrees on the cards for Monday.

Makgabutlane said Rotorua was also going to be warm, but maybe not as warm as coastal Bay of Plenty.

Rotorua could expect temperatures around 27 and 26 degrees this weekend, with 25 degrees expected on Monday.

“Winds are likely to be from the west or southwest for much of the weekend,” Makgabutlane said.