New Zealand is set for sunny weather for the next several days due to a high pressure system.
Well above average temperatures will hit much of the South Island, with some areas exceeding record January temperatures this weekend and early next week.
Afternoon showers and thunderstorms are possible in some areas according to NIWA, but the majority of the country will remain dry.
NIWA says interior Southland, Otago and Canterbury are likely to see temperatures exceeding 30°C.
Though the North Island won't be as warm, it will be very humid and the nights will be warm.
Nelson, Blenheim, Masterton, Paihia, Wanaka and Christchurch are all expected to reach or exceed 30°C on Thursday.
Auckland is not expected to drop below 20°C overnight for the next seven nights, and the same goes for Tauranga for next nine nights.
Wanaka is in the midst of a heat wave, defined as temperatures 5 degrees or more above the average maximum for that month - for at least five days.
Wanaka is expected to reach 33°C on Saturday and Sunday, and 34°C on Monday.
But the sunshine is not likely to last until the end of next week, when an area of low pressure with tropical origins is expected to reach the South Island.
This could bring significant rainfall, particularly in the South Island, as February gets underway.
Newshub.
