Today is likely to be the hottest day of the year with the east coast of the South Island sweltering in temperatures above 30C and inland areas expected to tip 40C.
As the heatwave sends the mercury rocketing for days on end across Central Otago the entire country remains under a super-charged heater with many parts of the North Island continuing to experience balmy days in what is likely the country's hottest month ever.
The ballistic temperatures are set to continue with the only main centres in the South Island to miss out on 30C or higher will be Nelson, Westport, Hokitika, Oamaru and Invercargill.
Another hot day in store tomorrow before a tropical low is set for our shores later this week. Try and enjoy the sun and heat while you can. Latest forecasts for temperatures and rain later this week at https://t.co/Yjbq0jfCz1 ^KL pic.twitter.com/2i6GMAWtdL
— MetService (@MetService) January 29, 2018
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Residents of Alexandra and Twizel are expected to sizzle on 35C but MetService said a weather station in the area may reach the late 30s or even 40C as the summer heatwave continues to see a swathe of records rewritten on an almost daily basis.
Yesterday Cromwell was the hottest spot in the country reaching a searing 36.6C and equalling its hottest ever January temperature since records began.
Niwa warned people to expect warmer conditions still across the South Island today.
Well, you don't see this everyday.
— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) January 28, 2018
This is a forecast from @niwa_nz high resolution (1.5 km) model. Looks like 40°C is within reach tomorrow. Time will tell... if and where.
~Chris pic.twitter.com/XEPL9IEAbX
The last time it reached 40C was in 2011 at Timaru Airport.
The hottest ever day happened on February 7, 1973 when northern and eastern regions of the South Island experienced a phenomenal heat reaching a record 42.4C in Rangiora. Nine out 10 of the country's hottest temperatures were recorded that day.
Medical authorities are warning people to keep out of the sun and avoid extreme physical exertion in the heatwave conditions.
People are also being told to drink at least 2l of water a day to stay hydrated.
Masterton is expected to be the hottest city in the north reaching 33C and the Taumarunui is also looking to reach 30C.
Auckland is in for another brilliant day with 28C - the fifth consecutive day the city of sails has nudged the 30C mark.
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