We're in for another scorcher this week, with little respite from the hot, dry weather.
Much of the country will see warmer than average temperatures as high pressure from the Tasman Sea sweeps over New Zealand.
MetService says a weak front will move north-east over the upper South Island on Monday night, but it will be no match for the high pressure system and is expected to weaken further as it moves north.
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The central North Island will see the highest temperatures, with Te Kuiti expecting a sweltering high of 31degC on Monday, Thursday and Friday - considerably hotter than the town's average February maximum of 24.5degC.
Further down the country, the Hutt Valley can usually expect a daily high of 21.7degC at this time of year, but MetService predicts the area to reach 29degC on Wednesday.
The far South won't escape the heat either, with a high of 28degC forecast for Invercargill mid-week. That's 10degC warmer than the city's average February high of 18.8degC.
Auckland and Christchurch will also see higher than usual temperatures this week.
In good news for Nelson residents grappling with wildfires, MetService meteorologist Andy Best says winds are expected to die down this week.
"For those in the Nelson region, rising temperatures Tuesday morning will result in a moderate afternoon sea breeze from the north-east," he says.
"The strongest winds so far during this fire event have been from the north-east during the daytime, but MetService are forecasting a change on Tuesday evening with wind coming from the southwest and may gust 40 to 50km/h at times overnight.
"Winds are expected to ease on Wednesday morning."
Newshub.
