Central and eastern areas of the mainland baked yesterday under sunny skies and a furnace- like nor’ wester.

Timaru was the highest centre with 34 degrees but other inland areas of Canterbury unofficially climbed as high as 38 degrees.The day began sunny and still but within just a few hours, the hot winds saw the mercury rise well above 30 degrees.

Blenheim, Ashburton and Oamaru recorded 33 degrees with Christchurch(after 5pm), Ranfurly, Hinds and Mayfield on 32.

Today the heat moves further north and will be felt in many eastern, central and northern areas of the North island whereas a cooler southerly wind change makes its way up the South Island seeing the thermometer cool fairly dramatically. Western areas of the mainland have experienced a stormy night with heavy rain expected to ease today.