Hot cross buns will not be the only hot things around Otago this Easter weekend.
The MetService is forecasting temperatures up to 25degC around much of the region.
Meteorologist Amy Rossiter said a humid air mass would bring a wet start to the long weekend, but more settled weather would follow.
"On Friday, a cold front moves swiftly up the country. This is accompanied by another period of rain with strong southwest winds, and brings relief from the humid nights.
"As we head into the Easter weekend, a ridge builds over the country, bringing more settled weather for most."
A ridge of high pressure will retreat to the North Island on Saturday as another more active front approaches southern New Zealand from the Tasman Sea.
The northwesterly flow will strengthen over southern and central New Zealand on Sunday, ahead of the approaching front.
As a result, the MetService is forecasting severe northwest gales about exposed parts of Canterbury, Otago, Fiordland and Southland on Sunday.
Temperatures in Oamaru, Dunedin and Alexandra will be particularly warm on Sunday, when the mercury reaches the mid-20s.
The rest of Otago will also be reasonably warm, about 20degC.
"The Easter Bunny will be pleased," she said.
Unfortunately, Clutha and Southland will be comparatively cooler and wetter and there is a possibility of "warnable" amounts of rain for Fiordland on Sunday — which is also good weather for eating hot cross buns.
