Temperatures were peaking in the mid 20s at lunchtime today throughout much of the North Island with Auckland on 25 as well as Palmerston North, Levin and Ohakea.

Humidity was also a factor in the upper north with east and north easterly winds making it feel more sultry.

Across the Strait and Nelson, Blenheim, Timaru and Dunedin were 23 degrees with quite a bit of sunshine and northerly winds.

Gore has the lowest temperature in the country this hour with just 14 degrees.

Main centres

Auckland 25

Hamilton 24

Tauranga 23

Wellington 23

Christchurch 22

Dunedin 23