Dunedin airport recorded the highest national temperature yesterday, for the second time in less than a fortnight.
Yesterday, the temperature reached 29degC at 4pm, just under the December 1 temperature of 29.3dgeC.
It was similarly warm further inland, Alexandra reaching 28degC and Queenstown and Wanaka 24degC.
However, while Balclutha reached 27degC at 4pm, the warm weather failed to reach Dunedin, its high only 18degC.
Oamaru only reached 19degC.
MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt said a trough was directing subtropical air on to the country, producing sticky and uncomfortable conditions.
Temperatures in the 20s or late teens, with some rain, are expected for most of the week until a southerly change arrives on Friday, bringing sunnier skies and lower humidity but also cooler temperatures.
