Summer has reared it's head in the South Island -- but it's not set to last

Temperatures in Dunedin and Kaikoura soared to near-record levels yesterday -- both hitting 29 point six degrees -- about 16 degrees above normal for this time of year.

Christchurch also reached a sizzling 29 point one degrees at it's peak.

But MetService forecaster Gerard Bellam says that's about to change -- with a strong wind watch in place for the Canterbury high country this morning.

He says a strong wind watch is in place for the Canterbury high country this morning, and wind gusts could get up to 120 kilometres per hour.

It's set to a rainy day in Dunedin and Wellington -- and an overcast day for the upper North Island.