Scorching heat forecast across New Zealand as centres hit 30degC

Get the kids' togs ready as it's going to be a hot one across New Zealand on Thursday.

MetService is forecasting Napier and Hastings to hit 30degC, while most of the North Island will reach the high 20s for a warm summer day.

Those in the northern main centres should try and find a breeze to keep cool. Auckland and Hamilton are expected to hit 28degC; Tauranga should get to 26degC, while Wellington will be a little cooler on 22degC.

Thames and Whangarei should get ready for a scorcher with 29degC and 28degC respectively.

Down south it will also be warm with Kaikoura and Christchurch expected to be the hottest at 28degC, while Oamaru and the Milford Sound will have the country's coolest temperatures at 19degC.

It may start off a bit wet for Buller and northern Westport, with MetService forecasting some heavy rain for those areas as a front sweeps up the South Island before weakening as it hits central New Zealand.

RadioLIVE's weatherman Richard Green said there were some short showers in Christchurch on Thursday morning, but it was beginning to heat up.

There may also be some showers on the North Island's west coast.

Newshub.