Winter is fast melting in our minds as summer-like weather spreads across the country.  Yesterday the national high of 24 degrees was recorded in Napier with a staggering 18 other main centres, including Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin, all climbing over the 20 degree mark.

Today a nor’wester in the South Island and clear, somewhat humid, conditions will remain over the North Island meaning temperatures will again easily pass the 20 degree mark.

The warmest regions today are likely to be Otago and Canterbury with a hot, dry, nor’wester kicking in.  Highs should easily reach the mid-20s.

In the North Island temperatures may also reach the mid-20s across inland parts of Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa however most centres are predicted to reach the late teens or early 20s – still mild for this time of year.

Mild nights are also in the forecast for the entire week…another sign that the winter of 2009 is now well and truly over.