Temperatures are set to rise in the east of both islands at the start of the new week, particularly the South Island – where the highest temperatures are set hit – but there are also gusty winds in the offing too!

Heat

Temperatures in the mid 30s look reasonably likely in eastern parts of the South Island, but there is also an outside chance of temperatures reaching even higher in Canterbury and perhaps Marlborough.
The conditions for really high temperatures are around – but whether or not they get up there is another thing altogether!

Wind

The other issue is northwesterly winds, which will gust strongly about inland parts of the South Island – from Southland through to Canterbury – and also around Cook Strait.
While they may not get up to gale force everywhere, there is a chance in exposed areas susceptible to high winds – like gorges and plains.

Rain

Some evening overnight rain may bring a heavy fall or two to the West Coast of the South Island – though nothing the locals haven’t seen before!

– Aaron Wilkinson & Drew Chappell, WeatherWatch.co.nz

– Photo: Chris Johnson