Coastal Otago and Southland recorded their hottest temperatures of the summer so far.
The temperature topped 28.6degC in Dunedin, 27.1degC at Dunedin Airport while Balclutha and Invercargill reached 26.5degC and 25.6degC respectively.
The temperatures are expected to remain high again today as a series of fronts move across the country from the southwest.
However, a MetService spokesman said the fronts would bring periods of heavy rain to the South Island’s West Coast and severe gale west-to-northwest winds to many parts of central and southern New Zealand.
The MetService has issued an Orange heavy rain warning for the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers.
Between noon and 6pm today, up to 100mm of rain was expected to accumulate near the main divide, and up to 80mm within 15km east of the main divide, he said.
Peak rates of up to 35mm per hour may fall near the main divide.
There was also an Orange warning for Fiordland.
‘‘Two periods of heavy rain are expected during Sunday and Monday, with up to 220mm possible.’’
‘‘Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous,’’ he said.
An Orange warning for strong winds in parts of Otago and Southland has also been issued by the MetService.
In Otago, especially inland areas, wind gusts may reach 120kmh in exposed places until 7pm tomorrow.
Fiordland and Southland (west of Riversdale) have also been warned to expect northwest gales, gusting up to 120kmh in exposed places until 6pm tomorrow.
At this stage, Christmas Day in Dunedin seems set to be partly cloudy with light winds and 19degC, while Central Otago is forecast to be cloudy with light winds and 23degC.
