As we reach 10am some parts of the South Island are already at 30 degrees and the late 20s as the Australian heatwave finally reaches our shores.
While western New Zealand is cloudy and cooler those that are inland or sheltered to the west have hot weather, especially the upper South Island which WeatherWatch.co.nz said last week would likely be one of the hottest, if not the hottest, part of NZ to be in on Monday.
Highs today may reach the mid 30s around Nelson and Marlborough today.
The eastern North Island is also expected to be scorching hot, already in the mid to late 20s as we approach 10am with highs in the low 30s expected inland and to the east.
Inland parts of the South Island, despite varying cloud covers, may also be in the late 20s and early 30s.
Thick cloud in western coastal areas have temperatures nearly 10 degrees lower. While Auckland is mild today, along with Taranaki, the daytime highs won't be too impressive but overnight lows will be mild for the next few nights with humidity levels up too.
Source weatherwatch.co.nz
https://www.weatherwatch.co.nz/content/heatwave-pushes-temps-30-degrees-9am-hour-mid-30s-possible-upper-south-island-5maps
MetService forcaster, Ravi Kandula, said the heat has been blown across from continental Australia.
"Temperatures are on average between five to six degrees above the seasonal average for this time of year so we are defining this as an abnormally hot period," Mr Kandula said.
MetService says many parts of the country are experiencing the start of a week-long heatwave, that will see many areas top 30 degrees Celsius in the coming days.
Otago, Canterbury, Marlborough and Nelson are all expected to be warm.
The Christchurch City Council has called on residents to conserve water and be fire wise.
The council said works are taking place on the city's wellheads and pump stations, and the less water used by residents, the faster the work can get done.
Fire and Emergency is asking people to clear gutters of leaves and vegetation, and keep grass trimmed to lower the fire risk.
People are also being reminded to be sunsmart and keep hydrated in the hot conditions.
Source: radionz.co.nz