Holiday hotspots look to be living up to their name in the South as temperatures rise on the eve of Labour weekend.
While often the October long weekend brings changeable, cold, cloudy or wet weather to Otago and Southland, this year's is shaping up to be one out of the bag, the MetService says.
The forecast is for dry, sunny weather for Central Otago, where temperatures in the low 20s are expected.
The heat has come on already in some places today, with unofficial reports of temperatures approaching 30degC.
While MetService was showing a regional high of around 23degC (in Roxburgh, Alexandra and Cromwell), some social media users were talking of 30degC in parts of Central Otago.
MetService meteorologist Tui McInnes said the conditions were being created by a "blocking high" that was sitting over New Zealand at present.
"The isobars are spread out over our area, which means weaker winds and calmer conditions.
"Fine weather and warm temperatures are in store for most of the country, with many centres hitting temperatures in the low to mid-20s.
"The timing couldn't be better. Following a cold start to October, the weekend's weather will allow Kiwis to get out and about and enjoy the great outdoors."
Wanaka is expected to reach 25degC on Labour Day.
Coastal areas of Otago and Southland would be a little cooler, temperatures ranging from 16degC to a warm 21degC.
