Temperatures are set to soar next week as a heatwave makes it way to some parts of New Zealand.
From Sunday, temperatures are expected to be consistently higher than average, with most regions having daily highs of 27 to 32degC.
Nelson and Marlborough will be hit the worst, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 34degC, WeatherWatch says.
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Hawkes Bay, Gisborne, Waikato, King Country, Central Otago and inland parts of Canterbury will also see temperatures soar into the 30s.
It's also good news for Aucklanders, who celebrate Auckland Anniversary Day on Monday.
MetService predicts a high of 27degC for the City of Sails on Monday, with the high temperatures continuing into next weekend.
The hot weather is being pushed across the Tasman from Australia where some regions have been experiencing extreme heat with temperatures exceeding 40degC.
As the country bakes in the mid-summer heat, firefighters are bracing themselves for a busy fire season, with the rest of January expected to very hot and dry for much of the country.
People who are starting fires are urged to check conditions online first at checkitsalright.nz.
WeatherWatch predicts these areas to be the hottest next week:
Northern Southland - Mid to late 20s
Central Otago - Low 30s
Canterbury - Late 20s, possibly 30
Nelson & Marlborough: 30 to 34
Gisborne & Hawke's Bay and eventually Manawatu: Late 20s, early 30s
King Country: Early 30s
Waikato: Around 30
Auckland: Mid to late 20s (overnight lows around 20 too)
BOP: Late 20s, possibly 30 inland
Northland: Late 20s
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