“We’ve got places like Christchurch reaching about 30C today, similarly in Ashburton.”
Makgabutlane said it was important that people “take extra care, keep an eye on the forecast and plan accordingly”.
“The temperatures we’re seeing today are maybe a little bit warmer than what we would expect at this time of year.
“It is, of course, summer, and we do expect hot temperatures, but for some places they are maybe a bit warmer than expected or warmer than average for this time of year.”
Earlier, Makgabutlane said that although the sun is on the way, some drizzle will stick around.
“There’s a weak front that moves over the island. Some areas may or can expect a little bit of showers, especially places like Westland, Fiordland, down towards Southland, parts of Otago.”
MetService has a strong wind watch for Southland, Otago and the Canterbury High Country south of Aoraki/Mt Cook today.
Gusts of 100km/h can be expected, especially inland.
Looking to Saturday and Sunday, Makgabutlane said 30C plus temperatures look “very likely” in Hawke’s Bay.
“Hastings seems to be one of the warm spots, 31C on Saturday and then 32C on Sunday.
“Even in places like Auckland and Northland, we’re expecting temperatures into the high 20s.
“So, a nice warm weekend ahead.”
MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley said Saturday will be the pick of the days this weekend in the South Island.
On Sunday, another front will move on to the South Island.
“That looks like it brings quite a decent amount of rain,” Makgabutlane said. “Especially for the western, southwestern portion of the island.”
