Photo: Oliver Weber/NelsonTasman.nz
Temperatures will continue to soar in some parts of the country this weekend, with highs of 30 degrees forecast for Napier and Hastings.
It's been a sizzling start to summer, with a brief repreview from the heat coming Friday and Saturday.
However, MetService says by Sunday northwesterlies look set to blast over the country, ushering in a large frontal weather system that will bring heavy rain to the West Coast of the South Island.
A cooler southwesterly flow spreading across the country on Friday brings temperatures back to average for December.
"This respite will be welcome news for those who've struggled through the muggy nights," MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said.
"However, by Sunday, the heat looks set to ramp up again in Hawke's Bay."
Sunday brings a dramatic shift as gusty northwesterlies sweep across the South Island and lower North Island, Makgabutlane warns.
"Gusty northwesterlies will be felt across the South Island and lower North Island, with severe gales possible in exposed areas. Heavy rain is also expected along the western South Island."
Meanwhile, the heat looks set to ramp up again - particularly in Hawkes Bay - come Sunday.
Auckland should enjoy a fine Saturday with a high of 22 degrees and low of 15 degrees forecast. A partly cloudy Sunday brings with it a forecast high of 25 degrees and a low of 18.
A mainly fine weekend for Napier, with the chance of a shower late afternoon or evening on Saturday. A high of 23 degrees and a low of 15 are forecast.
On Sunday the region is forecast to reach 30 degrees, with a low of 20.
Hastings is also set to sizzle; a high of 23 on Saturday, with the chance of a shower late afternoon or everning. A fine Sunday brings with it forecast temps of a high of 30 and a balmy low of 20 degrees.
Fine weather is forecast for Northland, with a high of 25 on Saturday and 26 on Sunday. A low of 14 on Saturday and 17 on Sunday are likely to be accompanied by some cloud and light winds.
With cloudy periods and the chance of a shower or two on Saturday, Gisborne is forecast to reach a high of 24 degrees, with a low of 14.
Come Sunday, the region is another expecting temps in the upper 20s, with northwesterlies and a high of 28 degrees forecast, and a low of 19.
A partly cloudy Saturday with isolated showers clearing early, Christchurch is set to reach a high of 23 degrees and a low of 14.
Sunday follows a similar pattern, with a high of 24 and low of 15 forecast along with isolated showers.
Morning and evening cloud are forecast for Wellington on Saturday, with a high of 20 degrees and a low of 14. MetService is forecsting a cloudy Sunday, with a few showers developing in the morning; a high of 18 degrees and low of 15 degrees are forecast.
Keep up to date with the forecast in your region here.
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