The sunny skies and scorching temperatures are taking their toll.

St John Ambulance workers in Canterbury have reported higher numbers of heat stroke, dehydration and sun burn this year than last.

Territory manager Kerry Mitchell says the warm weather appears to be catching people unaware.

"We're not so used to it, so we're not taking those extra precautions of getting out of the sun in the heat of the day and making sure we're hydrating as much as we should be."

Kerry Mitchell says the higher temperatures get, the more calls St John are receiving.