MetService is forecasting a warm week with humid nights ahead, while a front moving toward the country is expected to bring heavy gales and strong winds.
Higher than average temperatures were recorded in the North Island overnight, with Tauranga hitting 18C at 6am, and Whangārei and Kaitāia both recording 16C.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said it would be "a warm week with humid nights ahead".
"Overnight temperatures reach into the mid and high teens, and daytime temperatures reach well into the 20s," she said.
However — people across the country were urged to make the most of today's sunshine as a front is expected to hit parts of the country from this evening into Tuesday.
The forecaster said the front is expected to bring "strong winds and heavy rain to parts of the South Island tonight and during Tuesday".
"Humid northeasterlies affect the North Island and several places there are also expected to experience heavy rain during Tuesday and Wednesday," it said.
Some orange heavy rain warnings, heavy rain watches and strong wind watches were issued, with peak rain rates of up to 200mm forecast for some areas.
People were advised to clear their drains and gutters, and drive with caution during heavy rain periods.
Full list of watches and warnings
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Coromandel Peninsula – 21 hours from 2pm Tuesday.
Bay of Plenty – 21 hours from 8pm Tuesday.
Tongariro National Park – 24 hours from 10pm Tuesday.
Westland District – 18 hours from 2am to 8pm Tuesday.
Headwaters of Canterbury Lakes and Rivers south of Lake Sumner – 24 hours from 1am Tuesday.
Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound – 16 hours from 10pm today.
Headwaters of Otago Lakes and Rivers – 14 hours from midnight Monday
Heavy Rain Watch
Waikato (excluding Coromandel Peninsula and Tongariro National Park) – 24 hours from 3pm Tuesday.
Taranaki – 21 hours from 9pm Tuesday.
Strong Wind Watch
Fiordland and Southland west of Mossburn – 17 hours from 4pm today.
SHARE ME