Temperatures across most of the South Island have skyrocketed this afternoon, with Christchurch taking out the top spot. According to Metservice, the city reached 30.9 deg C at about 1.30pm on Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to reach 31C in Christchurch, 25C in Blenheim, 26C in Dunedin and 24C in Queenstown. As well as warm temperatures, high winds are also forecast for most of the South Island, meaning fire crews are on high alert. "Reminder that permitted or approved fires are not to be lit in high winds," the post said.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 23, 2021 01:07 UTC