Grass fires are continuing to keep crews busy in parts of Central this week.

Blackstone and Omakau volunteer fire crews were called to a grass fire at Moa Creek at about 1.30pm today.

Dunstan and Alexandra crews were called to another similar incident at Galloway about 10 minutes later.

The Moa Creek fire was about 50sqm, while the Galloway fire was about 10sqm.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said while both fires were considered “small”, it was a reminder for people to remain vigilant as hot and dry conditions continue to heighten the risk of fire.

Central Otago was placed in a prohibited fire season on December 18, along with Naseby, Upper Waitaki Lakes, Glendhu Bluffs and Lake Ōhau zones.

Fireworks are also banned in those areas under Section 52 of the Fire and Emergency Act, until further notice.

A prohibited fire season means a total ban on open-air fires and all previously granted fire permits are suspended.

Anyone who sees smoke should call 111.

Hot and dry conditions are set to continue into the weekend with MetService forecasting 30C in Alexandra tomorrow, while Sunday is expected to be slightly cooler with 24C.

MetService advises anyone out and about in the sunshine over the next few days to remain sun smart - slip, slop, slap, and wrap, and make sure you have sufficient fluids to keep you hydrated.

Heat alerts will be issued for locations that are reaching their highest temperatures to keep people up to date with their local forecast to make sure they are the most prepared they can be for the day.

However, MetService meteorologist Clare O'Connor said cooler air was on the horizon.

“A fresh southwesterly change early Monday will be in sharp contrast to the hot weather of the weekend – maximum temperatures are forecast to barely reach the high teens early next week, in some places this is even lower than recent overnight temperatures, which might be appreciated by anyone who has been struggling to sleep this last week."

For more weather information click on The Central App's weather button.

Read more: Central now in prohibited fire season

Read more: Fire crews kept busy in Central