Invercargill is set to swelter in 25C today, which would be its hottest October temperature on record.
The mini heatwave settles over the lower South Island today, where Alexandra is forecast to hit 26C not only today but also tomorrow.
MetService duty forecaster Nick Zachar said Christchurch, Wanaka and Blenheim would also be basking in summer-like temperatures today, expecting 24C.
Dunedin is predicted to be just a shade cooler, at 21C.
But it's Invercargill looking to break a record. On Sunday, it clocked up a record high of 24C, but if it reaches 25C today - as forecast - it will set a record for October.
The average mean October temperature for Invercargill, according records between 1995 and 2002, is 14.6C.
"They've already beaten their highest max but if we get to 25C today, and it should just be fine all day, then it will beat itself again," Zachar said.
The rest of the country, however, won't be as lucky. Temperatures in the North Island will be lucky to reach 20C.
"By and large the country is going to see some great weather," Zachar said. "But 25 is very warm for Invercargill."
It will mean a showers for parts of the country, too: Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Nelson and Kaikoura are all expected to get brief rain today and tomorrow.
The warm temperatures and northwesterlies will also continue to bring sea fog to the coastline between Timaru and Dunedin; however, it's expected to push offshore today.
In Wellington, although the capital will only reach 19C, it will get a bit warmer inland where Hutt Valley is expected to reach 22C today and 21 tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Whangarei is waking up to a warm 16C. However, it's not expected to get a lot hotter and a high of 20C is expected today.
People should make the most of the warm and relatively dry weather before a front moves across from the Tasman on Friday bringing rain for the weekend.
