A forecast of high winds leading to gales this weekend has prompted a warning about fires because of dry conditions in North Otago.
The MetService has issued a weather warning of a series of fronts arriving across the South Island later this weekend which are expected to bring gales of up to 120kmh in exposed places in inland Otago and Canterbury from tonight to tomorrow afternoon.
Waitaki emergency manager Chris Raine said yesterday North Otago was "quite dry" in some areas after strong winds early yesterday and only 1mm of rain at the same time.
"Any fires that break out in strong winds will spread rapidly in grasses and scrub," he said.
He also warned people to take precautions against any strong winds by tying down or removing loose material.
The strongest winds would be inland, especially areas exposed to northerlies or northwesterlies.
