Scorching weekend weather in the North Island, but heavy rain further south

Kids queue up for a waterslide at the Pt Erin Pools in Herne Bay yesterday. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Most New Zealanders are in for a scorching weekend but parts of the South Island are in for heavy rain.

WeatherWatch analyst Philip Duncan said it was going to be a hot one across most of the country today and tomorrow with temperatures reaching 32 degrees in some areas.

"It will be a beautiful, sunny day in the North Island with some light winds and sea and lake breezes at the major holiday spots," he said.

"Just about everywhere including Auckland will be into the late 20s and early 30s, so people should look out the sunscreen."

Some coastal areas such as Wellington could be a bit cooler due to sea breezes but Auckland, the Coromandel, Taupo and the Bay of Islands will be basking in sunshine.

"I expect the warm temperatures to carry on into the evening in these areas and it could still be in the 20s in some places," Mr Duncan said.

While most of the country is in for a fine day, parts of the South Island are in for heavy rain end a severe weather warning has been issued for Fiordland and Southern Westland.

The West Coast was expected to be plagued with heavy rain until Monday night.

The fine weather will continue tomorrow, Mr Duncan added.

"Sunday should be a carbon copy of today with some easterlies at the top of the country and north westerlies in most other areas.

"It is going to stay very warm, even in places like Christchurch where temperatures have been high in the mornings despite it being cloudy."