Sizzling summer set to shine on

Forecasters predict summery weather will continue after yesterday's scorching temperatures. Photo / Alan Gibson

More sunshine is on its way around the country, with forecasters predicting the summery weather will continue after yesterday's scorching temperatures.

The South Island sizzled yesterday, with temperatures reaching the mid-30s - but it was not quite warm enough to beat Canterbury's record high of 41.6°C, which Niwa recorded in February 1973.

MetService meteorologist John Law said the east of the country, particularly Canterbury and Hawkes Bay, had enjoyed very warm temperatures yesterday.

The weather was slightly cooler today, but it was still warm in the east.

"It's not as hot as yesterday, but still very warm," Mr Law said.

The highest temperature in the country today was 32°C in Kaikoura, while in the North Island, Masterton enjoyed the highest temperature of 31°C.

The South Island's Lake Pukaki, which yesterday enjoyed the highest temperature of 35.2C, was cooler today - but the mercury still peaked at 29°C.

It wasn't summery everywhere, however, with Dunedin getting a high of only 15°C today.

Looking ahead, Mr Law said the weather was likely to remain fairly settled throughout the week.

"High pressure is looking after us as we go through the next few days," he said.

"There is a small front going up the country tomorrow and that could be enough to bring perhaps some really sharp showers for parts of Marlborough, Nelson and the Wairarapa.

"Once that's cleared away, high pressure really is the driving force for us. Other than a few afternoon and evening showers developing each day, we are generally going to find there is plenty of dry and fine weather."

Auckland's sunny outlook

Mr Law said Aucklanders have some great weather to look forward to this week.

"Tomorrow there will be a little bit of early morning cloud, but that breaks up and leaves a fine looking day. It's not a bad place to be at all.

"There might be an isolated shower in the western parts of Auckland on Wednesday and then a few showers about the gulf on Thursday.

"But really, most of the time it's actually fine. Long spells of sunshine through the daytime and most places are staying dry."

He said on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, more high pressure would build, meaning more settled sunny weather for Auckland.

Tomorrow's forecast

Holiday spots

• Russell - Cloudy periods and isolated afternoon showers. Light winds and sea breezes. High 21°C, Low 16°C
• Whitianga - Fine, but some morning and evening cloud. Sea breezes. High 26°C, Low 13°C
• Nelson - Fine, but chance afternoon shower/thunder. Light winds. High 25°C, Low 16°C

Main centres

• Auckland - Fine, but some morning and evening cloud. Sea breezes. High 24°C, Low 15°C
• Hamilton - Fine apart from morning and evening cloud. Light winds. High 25°C, Low 12°C
• Tauranga - Long fine spells. Sea breezes. High 25°C, Low 15°C
• Wellington - Cloudy periods, odd evening showers. Dying northerly. High 22°C, Low 15°C
• Christchurch - Morning cloud, then fine. Light winds. High 20°C, Low 14°C
• Dunedin - Morning cloud, then fine. Light winds. High 19°C, Low 12°C

- Source: MetService