Very high temperatures are on the way once more this summer and potentially the hottest of the season.

Weather Analyst Richard Green says ” Once more very hot air that is over Australia today, is set to move across the country over the next 48-72 hours. “

South Australia and Victoria are feeling the heat today and tomorrow with temps expected in the low 40s.

Although today is once again very warm in eastern and northern regions, Green says the intense heat is set to hit the mainland on Sunday and Monday and the North Island should start to feel it  later on Sunday and into Monday and Tuesday. “There’s potential for this heat to be in the mid to upper 30s from Gisborne to Otago and 40 is not impossible.”

Hot northwesterly winds are expected to make it feel even more uncomfortable. The fire risk in parts of the country is already extreme and further hot weather is a real concern.

“Christchurch, Ashburton and Timaru are looking at highs between 32- 36 degrees  on Sunday at this stage and that heat should move north with similar temperatures in Marlborough, Wairarapa, Hawkes Bay and Gisborne just 24 hours later .” Green also says ” 40 is a possibility under sunny skies in sheltered areas on either Sunday or Monday. “

A cooler change is expected to follow bringing relief to much of the affected areas early to mid next week.