Walking on sunshine in SC

South Canterbury residents and holiday makers will be walking on sunshine for a while yet as the region basks in balmy weather.

The warm weather experienced in South Canterbury in recent weeks is set continue into the weekend, the MetService says, with the temperature hitting 31 degrees Celsius in Timaru on Wednesday, spelling good news for boating, camping, fishing and other outdoor activity enthusiasts in the region.

This fine weather looks set to continue for several days, with today’s forecast morning cloud set to clear by afternoon, leading to a pleasant high of 20C, meteorologist Karl Loots said.

Further inland, the Mackenzie District will experience a high of 24C today and strong early morning winds of 85kmh are expected to ease off in the afternoon.

A scorcher is expected tomorrow, with temperatures across the region expected to rise to a maximum 29C.

A light northeast breeze will cool it down for beach-goers but gusting northwest winds are expected in the afternoon.

The lake areas will experience a high of 28C with rain developing later, mainly further east, the MetService said.

Good weather in recent weeks has also spelled good news for the Caroline Bay Carnival, organisers say.

‘‘We have certainly been lucky with the fine weather,’’ carnival association secretary Kevin Fahey said.

He said the figures reflected that the number of people attending the carnival had increased when compared with the same stage last year.

‘‘While we don’t have exact figures, the numbers are up on last year and we are hoping that the sunny weather continues,’’ he said.

Fahey expects attendances to grow today and tomorrow with many more activities on offer for visitors.

‘‘The talent quest competition takes place in the next couple of days, and that fun,’’ he said.

‘‘Hopefully, the weather will be fine for all to enjoy the entertainment.’’

However, the weather looks set to change on Sunday when rain returns to Timaru but a high of 23C is forecast together with gusty northwesterlies.

Heavy falls, spreading further east later with gale northwesterlies are also expected to batter South Canterbury’s inland region on Sunday.

Overall though holidaymakers and outdoor enthusiasts should experience fine weather at the weekend, weather forecaster Loots said. is always good

JOHN BISSET/STUFF Henry Preece, 2, will have more good weather to play with his model boat at the weekend. He is seen at Lake Opuha over the new year period.