North Island's Napier first to hit 30 degrees

Napier. Photo / Supplied

Napier has become the first North Island centre to hit 30 degrees this Spring.

It reached the high as much of the country basked in sunny skies and sweltering temperatures this afternoon.

Weatherwatch analyst Philip Duncan said Northland recorded a high of 24 degrees, Auckland and Hamilton, 22 and Paeroa, 23.

In the South Island, Blenheim reached 29, Christchurch, 28 and Timaru, 25.

Only Invercargill has struggled to heat up to summer temperatures, with a high of just 13.

- NZ Herald staff