The sun is shining today in Christchurch as the rescue, recovery and clean up for thousands of residents continues into its sixth day.

Temperatures have also warmed up and nudging 20 degrees after a few days of overcast skies and chilly conditions.

The week ahead looks quite warm with temperatures forecast to be in the low to mid 20s and dry conditions are expected for much of the week with plenty of sunshine and just occasional cloudy spells with the chance of a few spots of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday.