Enjoy the heat, there's a cold front on the horizon

SUN-SOAKED: Sarah Kohlbecher and Johannes Meyer of Germany, in New Zealand on a working holiday, sunbathe in the Marine Parade Gardens. PHOTOGRAPH/DUNCAN BROWN.

The week will kick off with some sweltering spring conditions before a southerly change sends temperatures plummeting.

MetService meteorologist Robb Kerr said a front over the South Island should reach the region toward the end of the week.

"Today will remain reasonably fine, with a chance of an evening shower or two."

He said light winds would accompany the "weak westerly front" moving up the island.

"It will bring with it no real significant weather, so showers aren't very likely," Mr Kerr said.

Tuesday will see a period of afternoon and evening rain, with a southwesterly change.

With a nice southwesterly flow, the day will reach a high of 22C.

Mr Kerr said the front should pass over quickly but showers were expected to reach the main centres.

Conditions will then clear on Wednesday morning, with northwesterlies developing.

A strong southerly change will bring high cloud, lower temperatures and scattered showers. The change will drop the expected high down to about 17C.

Mr Kerr said that pattern of poor weather was likely to set in for the weekend.

"The front moving up from the south and due to hit the region late Wednesday should bring more significant weather."

Families enjoyed a balmy end to their Labour weekend, with temperatures soaring in the twenties.

Marine Parade was a hive of activity yesterday, as children frolicked in the fountains and parents enjoyed picnics.