Showers are expected to hit most of New Zealand later this week as a low-pressure system crosses the country. 

The change in conditions, which is predicted by MetService to begin on Wednesday, comes after scorching temperatures swept the country over the weekend. 

While temperatures are forecast to return to normal today, MetService forecaster John Law told the Herald a change was on the way. 

“Temperatures won’t be as hot as they have been but we will find highs in Auckland of about 26C and about 20C in places like Wellington. 

“An area of low pressure over the Tasman Sea starts to run back towards us and that brings wet weather back in from the west. 

“Areas like the Tasman region, and the west coast of the North Island will be the first to catch that rainfall later in the day in Wednesday and into Thursday.” 

Temperatures across New Zealand are forecast to return to normal after the record-breaking weekend. Photo / Kaitlyn Morrell 

Law said areas like Tasman, Wellington, Marlborough and the Kaikoura Coast could experience wetter conditions. 

According to MetService’s Severe Weather Outlook, there is a moderate chance a heavy rain warning would be declared for Nelson, Tasman, western Marlborough and the Marlborough Sounds on Thursday. 

Meanwhile, temperatures are forecast to return to normal after the record-breaking heat recorded over the weekend. 

“We are even going to find places in the South Island, which have been particularly warm, are probably going to find their temperatures a fair bit cooler as we get towards Thursday and Friday,” Law said. 

“Daytime highs in places like Ashburton might be around 18C or 19C.” 

According to MetService’s temperature outlook, Auckland is forecast to reach a high of 26C tomorrow, 27C on Wednesday and return to 26C on Thursday. 

Hamilton is forecast to have a high of 27C tomorrow, 26C on Wednesday and 25C on Thursday, while Tauranga is expected to reach a high of 24C tomorrow, 26C on Wednesday and 25C on Thursday. 

Temperatures in the weekend’s hottest centre, Hastings, are forecast to remain hot, with a high of 28C tomorrow and 26C on Wednesday and Thursday. 

In the South Island, Christchurch is forecast to reach a high of 25C tomorrow and 23C on Wednesday before tumbling into the 10s on Thursday for a high of 19C.