Temperatures have risen quickly in the far south  with Invercargill recording 27 degrees before lunchtime and it may continue to climb this afternoon as a very warm northerly breeze envelops the city.

Elsewhere across the lower south the mercury is also on the rise with the low to mid 20s being recorded throughout much of the region.

Further north and the humidity levels are not quite as high as expected, even though the nor’ east winds are dragging moisture in at times. 
Rainfall totals are varying however rainbands are expected to come and go over the next few days accompanied by sticky nor’ east winds.

Tonight is likely to see temperatures slightly above average to well above average for most areas and overcast skies is likely to see the warmth retained.

“In Christchurch today there’s a hint of humidity which we don’t often see” says weather analyst Richard Green.
“The easterly was very gusty at times over the weekend and pretty chilly but today the wind is a bit warmer although some cloud is remaining” he says.

Southern regions are expected to see warm temperatures again tomorrow and also into Wednesday but the clouds are likely to thicken with a few spots of rain possible.