Summer temperatures hit 30C in Hawke's Bay, but cold in South Island

Parts of the North Island are expected to hit 30C today, and Hawke's Bay is getting the biggest dose of the sun's rays.

MetService forecaster Cameron Coutts said it's a continuation of a good run of weather for the East Coast.

"They have been up in the 30s already this month, so this a normal summer's day for them these days.

"If you want to go to the beach, it's a good beach day. In general, the whole week's going to be warmer than average for the east."

Unfortunately the South Island has been left out of the summer warmth, for now.

"At the moment the North Island and the South Island are completely different," Coutts said.

"We've got the South Island wet and cloudy, and the North Island's generally sunny and warm.

"So it's complete opposites at the moment."

For those who want a fairer distribution of weather, they won't have to wait long. The cold and wet front is on the move.

"The southerly change is making its way up the South Island tomorrow," he said.

"Not overly pleasant weather. Most of this front will affect the South Island, then goes on to the North Island a little bit overnight."

Temperatures are expected to dip across the country tomorrow and on Friday, before warming up again in time for the weekend.

Main centres outlook

Whangarei: High of 24C today, cloud increasing and a chance of showers from the afternoon. Tomorrow is 24C with rain.

Auckland: High of 23C today, cloud increasing and a chance of showers in the afternoon. Tomorrow is 22C with rain.

Tauranga: High of 21C, cloudy periods and a chance of rain in the afternoon. Tomorrow is 21C with rain.

Hamilton: High of 24C, fine spells, chance of shower from the afternoon. Tomorrow is 22C with rain.

Wellington: High of 19C, fine breaks with cloud in the evening, and a strong northerly. Tomorrow is 17C with rain.

Christchurch: High of 20C, light morning rain. Tomorrow is 16C with rain.

Dunedin: High of 16C, morning rain followed by showers. Tomorrow is 16C with showers.