The Bay's sizzling temperatures yesterday came on the heels of Niwa's annual review which showed 2016 was the country's hottest since records began in 1909.
Among the places that experienced their hottest year on record were Wairoa and Hastings.
Globally, it was also the warmest year on record.
The dire situation was underlined as I drove to work along Karamu Rd yesterday, where Hastings District Council's electronic billboards continue to urge all to "conserve water".
Setting a stellar example, council has emptied its CBD water fountain due to the current water pumping issue.