KEY POINTS:
New Zealanders basked in sizzling heat yesterday as temperatures rocketed to record levels in places.
But those expecting an early start to summer may be disappointed. The scorching weather will not last despite the unusually high temperatures.
Places throughout much of the North and South Islands recorded hotter than usual temperatures by 1pm, with Blenheim Airport experiencing a scorching 33 degrees - a record for the region in November.
Those in Masterton, on 28 degrees, and Christchurch, on 27, had good cause to slap on the sunscreen, while thousands of lightly clad Aucklanders lined the city streets for the annual Santa Parade in sweltering conditions.
MetService forecaster Bob Lake said the heatwave was caused by a ridge of high pressure and a warm westerly windflow.
He said the warmer climates felt particularly in the eastern parts of the South Island and Wairarapa were "not exceptional but certainly very warm for the time of year".
Mr Lake added: "When there are places getting into the low 30s, that's getting fairly high for November - it's more of a January or February-type temperature."
But those hoping to bask further in the summer-like conditions may have seen their best day yesterday.
Mr Lake said that, from today, a southerly windflow would "cool things down a bit" throughout the country and temperatures would drop by a few degrees. And more southerly flows are expected. "Tuesday will be quite cool in eastern areas through to Wellington. It's all a little bit unsettled, in that we have got a series of mostly weak weather fronts moving through in the coming week."
One person praying for the fine weather to end is Hawkes Bay farmer Kevin Mitchell, who says the region's farms are in desperate need of a drenching. Mr Mitchell, spokesman for Hawkes Bay Federated Farmers, has a 560ha sheep and livestock farm near Napier.
He said many were worried after drought-like conditions last year.
"We need rain really quickly otherwise it will be another shocker on top of the one we've already had."
He was hopeful predictions of a wet December would come true. "We had just enough grass growth and moisture during the spring to feed the sheep but it's really been a struggle to get the cattle feed going.
"Orchardists and the winegrowers would be loving it - but it's not so flash for us."
