Cooler southerlies will bring relief today for parts of the South Island hit by scorching weather.
Cantabrians cooling off yesterday in the pool at the botanical gardens. Photo: RNZ / Sally Murphy
The temperature reached more than 36°C in Christchurch and almost 33°C in Dunedin yesterday, records for December.
Weather commentator Richard Green told Morning Report it was all part of the El Nino pattern.
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He said there might be more record-breaking days ahead, particularly in the second half of summer and in eastern parts of the country.