As many New Zealanders prepare for their last weekend of holiday before heading back to work, Kiwis can expect more of the hot weather they've been getting. 

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) released its latest seasonal climate outlook on Friday, previewing the next three months. 

Kiwis in some areas of the country have experienced record-breaking highs this summer with marine heatwave (MHW) conditions created by a La Niña weather event that has seen temperatures 1.6C - 2.5C above average in December.

"In the northern North Island the magnitude of the MHW surpassed the previous record-breaking event of summer 2017-18," NIWA said.

"In the western and eastern North Island, the event has been consistent with summer 2017-18."

NIWA said it expects the marine heatwave conditions to continue to have an upward influence on air temperatures and humidity across the country for months.

"La Niña conditions strengthened in the equatorial Pacific during December," NIWA said. "It is expected to continue to be a key climate driver for Aotearoa New Zealand over the next three months, with an 80 percent chance for its continuation."

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For the North Island, there is a 75 percent chance that temperatures are going to be above average for this time of year because of the marine heatwave conditions.

Everywhere except Gisborne, Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa are likely to see less rainfall than normal because of periods of excessive humidity and hot temperatures.

But for anyone looking for a bit of rain, NIWA said that there is an elevated chance for ex-tropical cyclone activity across Gisborne and northern Hawke's Bay which increases the risk for heavy rainfall events.

For the South Island, temperatures are also meant to be above normal over the next three months, with NIWA predicting a 70 percent chance of this occurring. 

NIWA warned that Coastal Canterbury and east Otago should expect warm overnight temperatures, but an increased frequency of onshore winds may reduce the number of hot days. 

For anyone on the West Coast, Alps and foothills, inland Otago and Southland, they should expect an increase in hot days due to more offshore winds.

NIWA is predicting a 40 percent chance of rainfall across the South Island to be below average with the exception of Coastal Canterbury and east Otago, which should see predominant onshore winds, which could see more cloud cover and drizzle.

With the hot temperatures set to continue St Johns has provided Kiwis with some good tips if they get burned this summer.

1. "Remove the heat source from the patient, or the patient from the heat source, whichever is easiest and safest."

2. Cool the injured area

   St Johns recommends immediately cooling the injury for 20 minutes by using cool running water from a tap or shower. If you don't have access to water use any cool clean fluid such as beer or soft drink.

3. Position patient

   If you are feeling faint, you should lay down.

4. Apply a sterile dressing

   After cooling the injured area for up to 20 minutes, apply a sterile dressing. Use a non-adherent dressing or a piece of clean plastic kitchen wrap