It's been an abnormally hot day in the South Island, as temperatures hit amost 35 degrees in Blenheim.
Photo: 123RF
Temperatures in the North Island also hit the thirties, with Hastings reaching 32 degrees.
A 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.
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