A climate scientist who predicted New Zealand may break its hottest day on record this week says it's not going to happen after all.
Dr Jim Salinger had said eastern parts of the country would be struck with a heat wave on Wednesday and Thursday with temperatures in the 38-40 degrees Celcius range.
Dr Salinger said on Wednesday that a high sitting over the east of the country may push the mercury over 30 degrees in Canterbury, Marlborough, and the Waiarapa.
But cooling air temperatures indicate the New Zealand recordof 42 degrees in 1973 won't be beaten.
The scientist said the next week could still be the warmest period of the summer.
The current high is expected to stay until Saturday night when a cooler change will spread over the country from the south.
