With about a week officially still to run in winter, temperatures are expected to go as high as 19°C for much of coastal Otago today, and there could be similar temperatures for the rest of this week.
Temperatures for most inland parts of Otago will be similar, and although temperatures may not be quite so balmy in Southland, the mercury will still be higher than usual, reaching the mid-teens.
However, MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said there was a catch.
As well as some heat, a series of fast-moving weather systems bringing the warmer air would also bring some "brief" showers and some strong gales.
"As we approach the windiest part of the year, breezy westerlies will be a noticeable feature.
"It’s a good time to secure any loose items, so they don’t end up in the neighbour's yard."
She said strong westerlies coming off the Tasman would also bring heavy rain to Fiordland and the West Coast, and as those westerlies passed over the Southern Alps they would dry out and heat up on the eastern side of the South Island.
"It’s the foehn wind effect.
"For the coastal Otago area, we’re expecting the temperatures to be warmer than average for this time of year.
"It would seem Mother Nature has given you an early start to spring.
"Certainly the weather that you will be seeing this week will have a spring-like quality to it."
However, she reminded southern residents spring was not always warm, dry and stable in the South.
"Spring seems to be the season where almost anything goes.
"We’re seeing warmer temperatures now, but it wouldn’t be too much of a shock if two weeks from now we had a cold break and snow down to low levels.
"It’s a very changeable time of year."
