Temperatures in many parts of the country reached the mid-30's on Sunday.
The top temperature has been 38 degrees celsius in Culverden in Canterbury, followed by 34 in Oamaru and Masterton, and 33 in Timaru, Alexandra, and Dunedin airport.
People have been reporting a distinct orange tinge to the sky, and the MetService says that's fallout from the Australian bushfires.
The Rural Fire Authority says such temperatures, coupled with strong winds and low humidity in eastern parts of both the North and South islands, are the perfect recipe for extreme fires.
