Heat, wind and rain lash the country
b"MetService has issued a heat alert for Auckland, triggered by sweltering overnight temperatures.\\nFurther south, heavy rain is expected on the South Island's West Coast, with severe gales forecast for Fiordland.\\nMetService is also keeping a close eye on a tropical low developing in the Coral Sea near Queensland, with conditions predicted to reach cyclone strength by next week.\\nMetService meteorologist John Law spoke to Ben Strang."