The heat is already being felt this morning in some parts of the country and Christchurch is 30 degrees as of 11.30.

Napier, Lower Hutt and Nelson aren’t too far behind with 27 degrees and Gisborne on 26.

The 30s could be quite commonplace by mid afternoon if sunny skies prevail.

The weekend is set to be hot in the east and north of the country with slightly cooler conditions expected in the far south.