The South Island had the top three highest temperatures yesterday, with Ashburton not quite living up to its old slogan, "whatever it takes", at 31degC and Blenheim, long recognised for its high sunshine hours, recording 30degC.
The best Kaitaia, in the winterless north, could muster was 24degC.
In Otago, the warmest place appeared to have been the Taieri Plain.
While it was fine throughout the province, Central Otago temperatures did not go beyond the high 20s.
The lowest daily maximum in the country, registered by MetService figures, was 19degC, shared by Hokitika and Levin.
The bad news is the good weather in the South is not expected to last, with showers forecast for today and the expected maximum in Dunedin put at 15degC.
Tomorrow, a high of 16degC is forecast.
This is the result of a cold front moving up from the south.
The frontal band is expected to move slowly north over the South Island during the weekend.
A severe weather warning has been issued for Fiordland and the ranges of Westland, south of Otira, where heavy rain is forecast.
In Fiordland, heavy rain was expected last night and this morning, with up to 150mm due.
The ranges of Westland, south of Otira, should receive heavy rain from about midday today through until tomorrow morning.
Up to 150mm of rain could fall in these areas during a 12- to 24-hour period.
A severe weather watch is in force for heavy rain for the Paparoa Range and the ranges of northwest Nelson tomorrow.
People in these areas, especially trampers, are advised to keep up to date with forecasts and warnings and should watch for rapidly rising rivers and streams, the service advises.
