Temperatures are set to reach scorching levels today in the south.

According to Metservice, Ashburton was the warmest place in the country at 11am on Tuesday with 32.8C.

Christchurch was sitting on 222C and Dunedin on 21C.

Temperatures are expected to reach 36C in Christchurch, 34C in Blenheim and 30C in Dunedin.

MetService meteorologist Alwyn Bakker said that is 13C above the garden city’s average temperature for this time of year.

It was sitting at 24C by 6am at Mt Cook.

Tony Trewinnard of Blue Skies Weather told Chris Lynch of NewstalkZB he would describe it as “stupidly hot.”

“It is probably likely to be the hottest day of the summer in Canterbury. It is our first day above 30C this January and possibly for the whole summer.”

“It’s happening because we’ve got some very warm air from the interior of Australia that has worked its away across the Tasman.”

Temperatures across the South Island have been high so far this week and are expected to continue.

“Christchurch is currently looking at three days in a row with more than 5C above average,” Bakker said.

It is considered a heatwave when temperatures are consistently 5C above average for five days.

The sunshine is not expected to last all week with a front expected to bring a cool change to much of the country from about Thursday.

Canterbury medical officer of health Dr Ramon Pink said while we may welcome a run of hot weather, overheating is a condition than can prove fatal.

“It’s especially important to stay out of the sun where possible, avoid extreme physical exertion and ensure pets and people are not left alone in stationary cars.

“While we are all vulnerable to hot temperatures, some people are particularly at risk. This includes the elderly, infants and children, women who are pregnant, people suffering from chronic, acute and severe illness.”

Pink said people whose work involves strenuous physical activity outdoors should be particularly vigilant to avoid overheating in hot weather.

“It’s important people exposed to hot weather for long periods of time carry water with them and sip at least half a litre an hour, allow for more breaks in the shade, reapply sunscreen every two hours and schedule the hardest work in the coolest part of the day.

“As well as being sun smart, if you have to go outside, everyone is advised to keep their houses cool by closing curtains on windows getting direct sun, opening windows to get a breeze if its cooler out than in, and consider using the cool cycle on heat pumps.”

The hot weather follows a bleak summer in Christchurch with long stretches of below average temperatures.

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