NIWA forecaster Nava Fedaeff explains why summer doesn't actually start on December 1st, plus what conditions NZ can expect this year. Video / NZ Herald
Weather forecasters are advising people to drink plenty of water and stay out of the sun - particularly if you are in Auckland - as hot temperatures are on the cards this week.
MetService says today will be "significantly hot" in our largest city, with a temperature high of 27C forecast.
"Significant heat forecast for Auckland on Sunday, 2nd January to Thursday 6th January.
"Drink plenty of water, stay out of the sun and avoid extreme physical exertion," MetService says.
Shortly before 8.30am, the temperature in Auckland had already reached almost 19C, while an overnight low of 17C will ensure there is no need for a blanket tonight.
Another hot day in Auckland will make for some downtime in the water for many today. Photo / Alex Robertson
The same advice is being given to anyone in Hamilton, which is also set for fine conditions and significantly hot temperatures from today through to Thursday.
A whopping 29C high is forecast in Hamilton today with an overnight low of 13C.
Yesterday proved to be a record-breaking day on the weather front, as it was recorded to be the second warmed January day in both Invercargill and Taumarunui since 1948 and 2007 respectively.
The sun rises in West Harbour, West Auckland, this morning. Photo / Dean Purcell
The fine conditions come as a result of a high pressure system moving over the country - with another set to follow immediately afterwards, WeatherWatch says.
The high pressure will remain over the country today, before sliding off to the east tomorrow.
The second one - currently near Tasmania, in Australia - is due to move towards New Zealand tomorrow.
Although there will be a few showers around the East Cape and Gisborne this week, much of the country is expected to get much drier weather, on average, around this time of the year.
Northland in for some heat - fire danger high
Kaitaia has a high of 26C and locals and those holidaying there are reminded that the fire danger in the area is high.
Those in Tauranga will be in for a 26C high today and 27C in Palmerston North.
While those in Wellington will get a warm 24C high in comparison. An overnight low of 15C is expected in the capital city.
Anyone holidaying in Northland and Great Barrier Island can expect a partly cloudy day and isolated showers this morning.
People in Gisborne and Hawke's Bay are in for a fine day too - save for some areas of morning and evening cloud, as well as a chance of a light shower in Gisborne later tonight.
Wash, rinse and repeat.
More very warm to hot weather tomorrow and Tuesday.
Further south, high cloud is forecast in Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, Buller and Westland.
However, low cloud is possible about coastal parts of Canterbury, Buller and Westland, forecasters say.
It will be mostly cloudy in Southland and Otago, and those in Fiordland can expect a mostly cloudy day. The odd "light shower" may also make an appearance.
Fine weather is the forecast for the Chatham Islands today.
