More beach days and barbeques could be on the cards for some New Zealanders with the weekend's hot weather expected to continue through to the end of February.
In a weather update on Monday, MetService said there's a blocking high over the country which will provide a few more days of warm and dry conditions as it moves away.
Meteorologist Alwyn Bakker said this means most of the North Island can expect maximum temperatures in the mid to high 20s, with Auckland reaching a maximum of 25C each day this week.
Masterton is predicted to have a particularly high temperature of 31C on Monday.
Bakker said the east coast of the South Island will also have temperatures in the high 20s, with Christchurch expected to climb to 31C on Tuesday and remain hot and dry through to Wednesday.
However, the west coast is expected to have heavy rain.
"As the low-pressure system approaches, northwesterly winds pick up, and several regions in the South Island are at risk of severe gales on Tuesday and Wednesday," Metservice said.
"Heavy rain is also likely for the West Coast of Te Waipounamu / South Island, with further Severe Weather Watches or Warnings to be issued as the week progresses."
A strong wind watch has been issued for Canterbury High Country from Tuesday 3pm until Wednesday 1pm as the north to northwest winds may approach severe gales.
Another watch has been issued for Fiordland, Southland west of Lumsden, and the Queenstown Lakes District between Tuesday 9am and Wednesday 6am.
