Sizzling summer days are set to continue for the South Island -- but it won't be as oppressive as yesterday

It was a scorcher -- with a 37-degree temperature smashing a five year record in Timaru, Ashburton hitting 39 degrees, and Christchurch topping 36 degrees.

MetService forecaster, Sonja Farmer, says temperatures will hit the early 30s for much of the South Island, but it's the North Island's turn to bear the brunt of the heat.

Gisborne, Hastings and Wairoa all heading for highs of 34 degrees, and Masterton 33.