The heat wave that has scorched eastern and southern Australia this week has finally reached our shores and while temperatures here aren’t quite as extreme they’re still well above average.

In the South Island temperatures have hit the late 20s with mid 20s being recorded in some parts of the North Island.

WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan says Timaru and Oamaru are on 27 degrees this hour with 26 in Dunedin and 25 in Gisborne, Hastings, Christchurch and Blenheim.

Queenstown and Nelson have 23 while Gore is on 20.

“A colder change is predicted to move up the South Island later today and tomorrow but the North Island’s east coast may well hit the 30s tomorrow afternoon” says Mr Duncan.

4:30pm Update:  Today’s high is 29 degrees.  Click here to see the full list of Daily Highs.