It feels like summer today in the east of the country as the mercury climbs up and over the 30 degree mark this afternoon in the east of the North Island.

Hottest cities are Napier, Hastings and Gisborne with some suburbs now climbing over 33 degrees (remember cities are hotter than airport readings due to more concrete, tarseal, metal etc).

Officially Napier airport, though, is at 32 degrees while suburbs are climbing into the mid 30s.

It’s a similar story in Canterbury too with some areas breaking into the low 30s this hour.

The hottest part of the day is yet to come – peaking mid afternoon.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says our latest high for Napier is now a stunning 34 degrees in the shade – and possibly may reach as high as 36 degrees in some suburbs unofficially.

A cool to cold change is coming for the South Island tomorrow cutting highs by over 15 degrees – and will also cut back these eastern highs by as much as 10 degrees in the north. 

– WeatherWatch.co.nz