Scorcher weather: how long will it last?

The summer sun made a welcome appearance in most parts of the North Island today but meteorologists are warning Kiwis to make the most of it because it will not stick around for long.

The vast majority of North Island residents have had a splendid day, with blue skies and temperatures hovering around 25C.

Kawerau residents have been sweltering in 28.6C heat -- the maximum temperature of the day -- while Aucklanders have basked in 25C.

In Hamilton and parts of the East Coast, temperatures have reached 26C.

Tauranga has reached 25C, Gisborne 27C and New Plymouth 23C.

Wellington, however, has missed out on the sun and instead seen a day of drizzle and temperatures of 20C.

Unfortunately, the sunny weather is not set to last.

MetService metrologist Nicole Ranger said the week ahead was looking likely to be wet.

"A few showers develop will tomorrow morning. As for Monday, some heavy falls are possible as rain develops, and on Tuesday and Wednesday, Aucklanders can expect a few showers," she said.

"Monday is looking like the wettest day, so a lot of the North Island could see rain. We have got a watch out for heavy rain in Taranaki, Nelson and parts of Marlborough. On Tuesday, a lot of places could see showers, but the trend should ease by Wednesday."

Ms Ranger said most places could also expect rain in the days ahead.

"There will be scattered showers turning to rain in the top two-thirds of the South Island and then further south there will cloudy periods and a few light showers tomorrow."