Very high temperatures are in place over parts of the country this afternoon, especially over the south.

36 degrees was recorded in Rangiora at midday, 39 in Oxford and yesterday Dr Jim Salinger thought 40 degrees could be topped in eastern areas however he has since taken that back.

WeatherWatch.co.nz has maintained that temperatures would remain in the low to mid thirties with an oustide chance of going slightly higher.

“It is very hot today in Canterbury” says Weather Analyst Richard Green “and with little wind in places it seems even hotter. This week the nor’ easter has kept it relatively pleasant but today it’s a different story under cloudless skies and light breezes” he said.

The main centres in the north aren’t recording anything out of the ordinary but the southern cities are certainly cooking.

Auckland  24
Tauranga  24
Hamilton  23
Wellington  23
Christchurch  32
Dunedin Airport  28

Tomorrow looks like another hot day is expected for eastern areas with the high 20’s and low 30s again being achieved relatively easily.

WeatherWatch.co.nz