The dry, hot summer continues and will likely reach its peak over the next 48-72 hours with very high temperatures forecast up and down the country.

The mainland feels the heat first tomorrow with central and eastern areas set to hit the 30s from Invercargill to Blenheim.

Weather Analyst Richard Green says “This certainly looks like a humdinger and there’s still room for the thermometers to top 40 in one or two areas if the sunny skies remain and the hot nor’ westers do their thing.”

A little high cloud may affect some areas initially but it’s expected to peel away as the heat intensifies.

“We’ve already seen some big temperatures this summer but this could top the lot” Green says.

The North Island should feel the impact on Monday and part of Tuesday as the hot air moves in from across the Tasman.

Victoria and South Australia have seen temperatures move into the 40s in recent days and although a few degrees are usually lost as the hot air crosses the Tasman Sea, it will still be very warm with potential record breaking temperatures.