After several weeks of temperatures in the high teens, Dunedin residents are in for a shock - the city’s temperatures are expected to reach 28°C today.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said it would be the city’s first taste of summer, and the hottest day since last autumn.
"We have an approaching frontal system from the southwest, and ahead of that we have some strongish northwesterly winds and a generally warm air mass over the country.
"So the combination of that off-shore flow from the northwesterly foehn effect as well as the warm air mass, is resulting in warm temperatures along the east coast of the South Island."
The temperature was expected to top 27°C in Dunedin about 3pm, 28°C in Mosgiel and 26°C in Central Otago and Oamaru.
Northwest winds might approach severe gale force in exposed places around Dunedin and coastal areas of the Clutha district, she said.
A few showers might also develop later in the day.
Those people who were lucky enough to work outdoors should be "sun-smart", she said.
"It’s a good day to slip on some shorts, slop on a hat and slap on some sunscreen."
And make the most of it, she said.
"Look ahead to Friday and the temperatures drop back down to the teens."
