Tom Rae (12) of Dunedin jumps into the water off a jetty at Back Beach, Port Chalmers. Photo: Gregor Richardson

Yesterday was a scorcher in the South and with the sun came outdoor enthusiasts keen to take advantage of the summer weather.

Across the region people sought relief from the sweltering sun, at beaches, lakes and waterways .

Brothers Xavier (5, left) and Lennox (3) Fa’amoe-Ioane, of Dunedin, sit on an inflatable shark on land at Brighton Beach yesterday. Photo: Linda Robertson

Temperatures are expected to drop to the high teens and low 20s today, before heading back to the mid-20s before the new year.

MetService meteorologist Angus Hines said high pressure over the country was suppressing cloud formation, resulting in long sunshine hours.

Mia Hales (3), of Mosgiel, plays with a bucket and spade in the sand at Brighton Beach yesterday. Photo: Linda Robertson

The highest recorded temperature in the South yesterday — 32degC about 3pm — was atthe Millers Flat Station, followed closely by Mosgiel, which hit 31degC about 2.30pm.

The MetService reminded those outside in the sunshine to stay sun smart and to "slip, slop, slap and wrap".

Today, the South is expecting a break from the sun and temperatures should be more tolerable, Mr Hines said.

Tilly Hurford (8) and her father John Hurford have fun at Outram Glen yesterday. Photo: Linda Robertson

"Things should get a bit cloudy, and several degrees cooler.

"We get a cooler wind change coming across most of the South, and that’s likely to bring a few showers through."

New Year’s Day is "still shaping up to be a good one", Mr Hines said.

Rebecca Webb and Jesse Stewart of Bondi, Sydney, cool off with a dip in the Clutha River at Clyde yesterday. Photo: Tracie Barrett

Hot in the South

Alexandra 29.3°C

Balclutha 29°C

Cromwell 28°C

Dunedin 25°C

Gore 26°C

Invercargill 25°C

Mosgiel 31°C

Naseby 26°C

Oamaru 29°C

Queenstown 24.5°C

Ranfurly 27°C

Timaru 26.8°C

Wanaka 26.1°C

cas.saunders@odt.co.nz