MetService expects conditions will remain dry for most of the country until next weekend.
But a longer run of high temperatures and low humidity could mean drought for some areas which are already dry.
A slow moving high east of New Zealand is bringing sunny skies and little rain. Light showers are possible in Northland, Coromandel, Gisborne and Northern Hawke's Bay this week.
MetService said conditions will be hot and dry in many regions, increasing the risk of fires, although there will be not a lot of wind to fan any blazes.
Heavy rain is expected next weekend, starting in the upper North Island.
