If you live in the north or east of New Zealand the next few days should give you an excuse to head to the beach or pool as temperatures push towards the 30 degree mark.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says a nor’westerly over the nation combined with mostly clear skies will send the temperature rising to the low 30s across inland Hawkes Bay and Gisborne and into the late 20s, across coastal Canterbury and possibly 30 inland.

The heat will be on the cricket series in Napier where temperatures are likely to exceed 40 degrees in the sun on Saturday with gusty nor’westers developing.

Northern New Zealand will also feel the heat with readings in the late 20s expected across Northland and Auckland – although don’t expect to see it reflected in the Daily Highs at WeatherWatch.  Head weather analyst Philip Duncan says it’s important to remember the temperatures are taken from Auckland and Whenuapai airports for Auckland’s maximum daily readings.  “These are big wide open spaces surrounded by grass…most Aucklanders live in the city surrounded by buildings and roads which definitely adds to the heat”.

Mr Duncan expects more hot weather for Friday with temperatures back up into the late 20s for the City of Sails.

Northland should reach near 30 degrees today or tomorrow and coupled with humidity Saturday may well be a day best spent in under a tree or in the sea.

The weekend will see a shift to westerlies which will bring a few showers in to Auckland and should see temperatures drop back a couple of degrees. 

Wellington will remain around the 19 degree mark but with northerlies rising to gale force on Saturday.

Those gusty winds will also affect Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill on Saturday.

Image / Zelda Wynn