With a strong north westerly flow about to spread over New Zealand and air likely being dragged down from the sub-tropics next week WeatherWatch.co.nz is predicting 20 degrees may be reached in some areas.

The strong northerlies are likely to kick in today across the South Island’s east coast and tomorrow they will shift to warmer, drier, nor’westers. 

Highs in the late teens are predicted up the east coast of both islands and WeatherWatch.co.nz says this is the first time in months that highs of 20 degrees are possible in some pockets.

Next week the North Island should see a warm, humid, north west flow develop which may also see temperatures reaching 20 degrees or close to it.