Balmy days in no hurry to go

Conditions bringing golden evenings to Auckland's Muriwai Beach and other parts of the country could yet break autumn temperature records. Photo / Chris Loufte

Don't pack away the T-shirts or sunscreen just yet. The unseasonal golden sunshine and warm temperatures of a potentially record-breaking autumn are set to continue until the start of next month, the official start of the Kiwi winter.

Temperatures in the early 20s were common around New Zealand yesterday. Auckland, Hamilton and Christchurch enjoyed 22C, Napier 21C, and Wellington peaked at 19C.

MetService meteorologist Claire Flynn said Kiwis should get used to the warm autumn, as the sun and heat were expected to stick around for several weeks yet.

"It's looking to be warm all week, and the rest of May," Flynn said.

"Nationwide, many places in the upper North Island are getting into the 20s and then it's late teens in the lower North Island. The South Island is also experiencing warm weather in the early 20s.

"The monthly temperature is 1.5-2C warmer than average for May overall."

The unseasonal weather is highlighted by a high of 24C tipped for Christchurch on Wednesday.

Aucklanders can expect to bask in a high of 22C today and the fine weather is expected to continue during the week.

Hamilton is expected to top 21C today and lower areas of the North Island, including Wellington, can expect highs of 19C.

Queenstown and Dunedin look set for light showers tomorrow but will still enjoy an unseasonal high of up to 20C.

Last week, the MetService said current weather patterns could lead to record-breaking temperatures in some regions and cities, including Invercargill.

Previous May highs included 24.6C in Auckland in 2011, 22.4C in Hamilton in 2004 and 27.3C in Christchurch in 1978.

In March this year New Zealand recorded its second hottest month ever - the nationwide average temperature was 19.5C, just below the record 19.6C in February 1998.