Just as expected, another warm to hot day is taking shape over much of the country this morning.

Some cloud is keeping a few towns and cities obscured from the sun but even without the big yellow in full flight, the low 20s are already in abundance in many areas. 

In the last hour, Gisborne appears to be the only centre with some liquid sunshine but that is expected to clear throughout the day.

Further south, the heat of yesterday could be eclipsed today and tomorrow as hot sunshine beats down in inland areas. Queenstown hit 30 with Wanaka on 33 and Alexandra 34. Today Tarras, Cromwell, Clyde and Twizel are likely to also feel similar heat with 35 degrees or higher a possibility.

Main centres

Auckland 21

Hamilton 20

Tauranga 23

Wellington 16

Christchurch 18

Dunedin 16