Another day in paradise as temperatures set to soar to 30C

Another stunning day is in store for much of the country as temperatures soar to 30C while New Zealand basks in a summer heatwave.

Masterton is expected to swelter on 30C and Blenheim, Christchurch and Alexandra are expected to reach 29C.

The record-breaking run of dry weather continues as a blue canopy sits over the country for the week and foehn winds amp up temperatures in southeastern regions.

Much of the country will enjoy temperatures in the mid to high 20s for the rest of the week.

Fine for most under the ridge of high pressure tomorrow, but a few fronts bring rain to Fiordland with a severe weather watch for heavy rain in place there. Elsewhere in the south, just a few showers with the passing fronts. Check out the forecast at https://t.co/Yjbq0jxdqz ^HM pic.twitter.com/k4ZvRJPfLs

— MetService (@MetService) December 4, 2017

The far south of the country is the only place to escape the balmy summer conditions - a heavy rain watch has been issued for Fiordland.

The exceptional dry weather envelopes both islands thanks to La Nina as the country heads into a warmer than average summer.

The soil moisture anomaly change over the last 3 weeks across New Zealand is striking -- soil moisture now below or much below normal in many locations 🌵 pic.twitter.com/Crv2yFLmk6

— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) December 2, 2017

Today's forecast:

Auckland: Fine with afternoon showers. 25C
Hamilton:Fine with light winds. 26C
Tauranga:Fine, cloudy with light northerlies. 23C
Wellington:Fine, cloudy. 23C
ChristchurchWarm, fine day. Easterly breezes.29C
Dunedin:Cloudy, showers and southerly change. 22C