UPDATED

Cloudy skies are now starting to break up over Auckland today – in time for the Santa parade this afternoon from 2pm.

While the prediction is still for the heat to come out, the long cloudy start to the day has helped keep the mercury lower.

As of 11am it was around 19 and 20 degrees over the city.

But the predicted high by WeatherWatch.co.nz remains at 25 – with hot weather likely to quickly move in once the clouds clear further.

Burn times still remain high and people should plan for “extreme” UV levels with sunny spells increasing this afternoon.

The low cloud appears to be only affecting Auckland with sunny weather surrounding the city on either side.