The Ashburton District Council says a total outdoor fire ban will come into effect from midnight tomorrow.
The district had been experiencing soaring temperatures and very low humidity levels.
Mid Canterbury Principal Rural Fire Officer Don Geddes said in addition to the district's high country being particularly dry, the plains were also dry which was unusual.
Mr Geddes said that had only happened a few times in the 15 years he had been in the job.
He said if the South Canterbury coastal region also implemented a ban this weekend, then all of Canterbury would be under a total fire ban.