After plenty of mixed weather, summer put in a decisive late appearance in Dunedin yesterday, as the season’s inner city high of 30.2degC was reached at 6pm.
MetService meteorologist Tuporo Marsters said strong northeast foehn winds had contributed to a burst of hot conditions in Dunedin late yesterday afternoon and early evening.
"Very strong" warm winds had gusted about 30kmh in North East Valley, Mr Marsters said.
Temperatures reached 26degC at 4pm, 28.9degC at 5pm, and after the 6pm peak, the city heat lingered, with 29.7degC recorded at 7pm.
Yesterday’s late afternoon heat wave fell well short of Dunedin’s overall February temperature record — 34.9degC, in February 1995.
The previous hottest Dunedin day this month was February 21,with 28degC.
Apart from last night, the previous hottest Dunedin day this summer was 30degC on January 24, and the hottest December day was December 31 (28degC), Mr Marsters said.
