With muggy and wet weather becoming a daily occurrence this summer, forecasters are warning there's more of it to come as the final days of 2023 begin to roll in.
With the New Year approaching and warmer weather hitting on Friday, temperatures are rising with Canterbury expected to possibly reach 30C.
Whether it's a summer filled with festivals, roadies, or camping trips with friends - there's a slice of the hot weather for everyone over the next few days.
MetService predicts Wednesday will be a day filled with pleasant weather throughout the country, with Hamilton reaching a high of 28C and Rotorua and Tauranga not far behind at 27C.
However, on Thursday, showers will be raining down on Hawke's Bay and Gisborne, along with the Coromandel and Tauranga.
Temperatures in the morning are looking at 11C and 12C across most parts of the South Island, so those keen on a morning walk or run without sweating up a storm might want to set their alarms.
However, other parts of the North Island are looking to be fine and sunny, with Palmerston North sitting at a high of about 24C.
Wet in the west and dry in the east
The final Friday of the year will bring with it wetter conditions to the west coast of the country while warmth rules the east.
Western parts of both islands are in for heavy rain or showers, accompanied by strong winds in the South Island and lower North Island.
However, Christchurch will sit at a high of 29C with the possibility of reaching 30C as the hot weather slams the region.
MetService meteorologist John Law said overnight on Thursday, cloud on the west coast of the South Island will continue to thicken up.
"Down south you might find the odd shower when those winds come together, but for most of us it's a dry day," Law said.
Heavy rain and strong winds heralded in by a humid north-to-northwest flow is expected to lash many locations, including several holiday hotspots.
Over western and central regions from Fiordland to the Coromandel Peninsula and East Cape, the rainfall is likely to meet warning criteria.
Despite the rain, Timaru can expect a high of 28C with 27C for Whanganui, Kaikōura and Twizel.
On Saturday, MetService predicts intervals of settled weather for most parts of the country, with rain and north-west winds subsiding by Sunday morning.
From Fiordland to the Coromandel Peninsula and East Cape, MetService warns of considerable rainfall, as well as in northern Fiordland and Westland.
There is also a chance of severe gales from Fiordland to Hawke's Bay from the west to the northwest.
On Sunday, rain is expected to fall heavily in the north and west of the South Island, and in the North Island, the west coast is also looking wet, along with the Bay of Plenty region.
MetService said Gisborne and Hawke's Bay will be "quite cloudy" on New Year's Eve.
Bringing in the New Year
On New Year's Day, Kiwis can expect dryer conditions throughout the country, with spouts of rain for some areas, according to MetService.
Those attending Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne should be prepared and pack a poncho, with rain expected to fall throughout the first two days of the festival.
Monday should be dry for most parts of the country, however, Fiordland and Stewart Island can expect a few showers.
MetService has described Monday's weather as a "promising start to the year".
