Spare a thought for Northlanders working in extreme heat.

Further temperature records could tumble in the South Island this week, say forecasters.

Thousands of commuters were stranded after hot weather shut down Wellington's trains.

The Wellington suburb of Kelburn reached 30.3C at around 4pm this afternoon.

New Zealand's hot late January weather is driving some schools to delay start dates.

We're only 'unique' in New Zealand because we haven't included our treaty in domestic law.

Feeling hotter at your place than MetService is reporting? You might well be right.

"I would pick the sunshine over a rainy day, even though it is horrible and hot."

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Auckland could see one of its hottest days in years.

Lick this Icecream Parlour in Napier rolled around 1000 ice creams yesterday.

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The hottest spots are likely to be more inland today but even Auckland can expect 29C.

The sweltering conditions are set to stay, for the next few days at least.

And it is forecast to get even hotter.

Red-hot temperatures are forecast throughout the country this week.

Blenheim, Hastings and Gisborne are heading towards temperatures in the 30s.

Some parts of the country set to reach in excess of 30C and to continue until Thursday.

Many will experience 30C days from tomorrow to the end of next week

MetService Weather New Zealand: January 24th - 27th

MetService Weather Christchurch: January 26th