It was hot but is expected to be get hotter.
MetService meteorologist Lewis Serris said temperatures reached 26degC mid afternoon in Southland. There was a severe thunderstorm watch in the Canterbury high country, Central Otago, Clutha and Southland from 2pm to 9pm.
The conditions were caused by the same weather patterns as the flooding in the North Island was, he said.
This Saturday predictions were for a high of 30degC in Gore, and 31degC in Invercargill, with the highest temperature in the country expected to be in Alexandra with 33degC.
He advised people to keep an eye on the skies in the next coming days.
"It won’t affect everyone but there is the potential that some places could get rain of about 25-40mm in an hour, which is what could cause surface flooding."
