Crown Research Institute NIWA is reporting that many parts of NZ experienced their hottest summer on record this year.
The highest temperature was recorded in Timaru: 41.3 degrees Celsius.
An excerpt: (read in full here)
“Temperatures hit record or near-record highs in many areas in the North Island, as well as the north of the South Island, with the highest – 41.3degC – recorded at Timaru on February 6.
“Hamilton, Nelson and Kaitaia, Taupo and Hastings were among the regions to experience their highest average summer temperature since records began.
“Temperatures were also above average for the rest of the country, Niwa said.”