MetService is forecasting further warm, sunny weather for most New Zealand under a broad ridge of high pressure.

It’s a sunny start to the week as a large high provides stable conditions.

Northwesterly winds become strong in the south on Wednesday night ahead of front that spreads rain up the West Coast on Thursday.

The northwesterly flow across the South Island creates a foehn effect on Thursday, bringing especially hot, dry winds to the east before the front fizzles out on Friday.

“Temperatures are forecast to crack 30°C for most of Canterbury on Thursday, reaching 33°C in Ashburton.