Otago's summer of dry weather has smashed 91-year-old rainfall and temperature records in Lauder, near Alexandra.
The township, between Omakau and Becks, received just 2mm of rain last month, 4% of its normal amount for January, and its mean maximum temperature for the month of 27.1degC was 4degC warmer than normal.
They were the lowest and highest respectively since records began in 1924, Niwa figures show.
Lauder also recorded a mean temperature of 19.1degC, which was its second-highest and 2.9degC above normal.
For a recent arrival from England, atmospheric scientist Dave Pollard, who works at Niwa's climate station at Lauder, the dry weather had required a change of thinking.
''It's been a baptism of hot.
''In England, it is a weekly ritual to mow your lawn on a Saturday morning.
''Here, your lawn stops growing and you can't mow it in fear of a spark setting off a fire.''
The area was known for its dryness due to its position surrounded by mountains and high ground on all sides, particularly the Southern Alps to the west.
That meant when the rain came, most of it was dumped on the West Coast and Fiordland, leaving dry air to come down the Alps and on to the plains.
''Rarely do we get a significant amount of rainfall, especially on the plain.''
Fellow Lauder station scientist Ben Liley said the dry weather worked in the scientists' favour as clear skies and low humidity meant they could take more accurate measurements of the atmosphere.
''It's a good thing we are a dry site. We've got to make data while the sun shines.''
So far, the water supply for the station had held up, but the scientists sympathised with nearby farmers facing irrigation restrictions.
Close behind Lauder was Ranfurly, which received 7mm, 14% of its normal rainfall, which was also its lowest since records began in 1975.
Ranfurly also had its highest average January temperature, 25.7degC, 3.7degC above normal.
Its mean temperature of 17.8degC was also its second-highest and the warm weather meant it also recorded its second-highest mean minimum temperature of 9.9degC.
The clear skies and warm weather meant it recorded the third-highest daily maximum of 32.3degC on January 4 and highest daily minimum of 18.3degC the next day.
In contrast, a bit further west, Queenstown recorded 109mm, 170% of its normal rainfall, for January.
Rain forecast for yesterday failed to make much of a dent in the dry weather in the places which most needed it.
MetService meteorologist John Law said Glenorchy and Queenstown benefited from the southwesterly weather change with 15mm and 9.8mm falling respectively in the 24 hours to 4pm yesterday. Wanaka recorded 5mm.
On the east coast, the showers which hit Dunedin brought only 2.2mm and Dunedin airport only recorded 1.6mm.
''It was a real split, a mix of weather,'' Mr Law said.
Inland dry areas also failed to receive much rain, with The MetService's gauge in Alexandra recording only 1.4mm and Ranfurly 0.4mm.
Further showers and the ''odd rumble'' of thunder could hit anywhere in Otago today, he said.
Snow showers above 900m on the tops of the hills of Central Otago and the Mount Aspiring National Park were also possible.
''Queenstown could get down to 3degC or 4degC.
''The temperatures will be a bit of a shock.''
From Friday, the weather was predicted to improve with showers easing and temperatures rising.
