Eastern parts of the country can expect to see temperatures hit the mid-twenties later this week, MetService says.
MetService meteorologist Dom Barry said thanks to warmer air, many places across the east of the country will see higher than average maximum and minimum temperatures.
“For the easternmost places like Christchurch, Oamaru, Napier and Hastings, maximums in the mid-twenties can be expected,” Barry said.
On Wednesday afternoon, the temperature in Christchurch is expected to reach 26C, while in the north Napier is likely to see 24C.
The temperature in Napier on Thursday is expected to reach 26C, while in the south Christchurch is likely to see 23C.
“Overnight temperatures will stay warm as well, in some cases only being a couple of degrees cooler than the day’s maximum, which might make sleeping a struggle for some,” Barry said.
But it’s not all good news for those in the south, as a series of weak fronts will likely bring patchy rain to some.
“As we head into Wednesday, warm and moist northwesterlies develop over the South Island, bringing rain to western and southern parts of the South Island,” Barry said.
“Fiordland has a Heavy Rain Watch in force from Wednesday to Thursday, which is likely to be upgraded to an Orange Heavy Rain Warning in the near future.”
On Thursday, a series of fronts move up the South Island, bringing rain to southern and western parts as the high moves off to the northeast of the country. Things will be mainly fine and dry in the north as a result.
Barry said the warm weather looks set to hold for Hawke’s Bay’s anniversary on Friday, but the weather looked more unsettled elsewhere, with wind and rain returning.
“Low pressure is returning at the end of this week meaning some wetter weather is in store over the long weekend,” he said.
“With some drier weather possible for Labour Day, it is worth checking the forecast to get the best out of the weekend.”
