This week kicks off much warmer than average with some places over 10 to 12 degrees warmer than they should be.

By Wednesday some of these areas will be seeing a several to 10 degree temperature drop as a cooler southerly moves northwards.

Wet weather dominates the West Coast and Southland – but further north, it’s looking mainly dry for the next week ahead despite a few showers.

For the fire at Lake Ohau the next 24 hours aren’t good, but Tuesday sees some wet weather, lighter winds and a temperature drop.