Make the most of the balmy weather because the days will become cooler towards Easter Weekend.
Dunedin recorded temperatures nearly 10degC above average at the weekend, while most of the rest of Otago also enjoyed an unseasonably warm end to the week.
Dunedin's temperatures were well above the average March maximum temperature of 19degC, MetService meteorologist Peter Little said.
Dunedin Airport's 31.5degC on Saturday was just below the hottest March temperature (32.2degC) since records began.
MetService meteorologist Arno Dyason said the warm temperatures were the result of a high-pressure system sitting over the east coast of the South Island.
That had created warm and moist air coming from the north.
Temperatures would gradually ease across Otago over the next few days, but should still be in the low-20s by the end of the week, Mr Dyason said.
Temperatures
Saturday: Dunedin Airport 31.5°°, Dunedin city 28.4°, Oamaru 28.3°, Balclutha 28.8°, Alexandra 27.2°, Roxburgh 27.2°, Wanaka 24.2°, Queenstown 23.9°
Yesterday: Dunedin Airport 27.8°, Dunedin city 27°, Oamaru 28°, Balclutha 26.1°, Alexandra 26°, Roxburgh 25.2°, Wanaka 22°, Queenstown 21°.
