Unseasonably hot weather has hit Tokomaru Bay and other parts of Gisborne today. Photo: Gisborne Herald / Ben Cowper
Gisborne is experiencing its hottest September day on record, topping a previous high set in 1955.
So far today the region has recorded a high of 26.6 degrees, beating the last record of 25.4 by more than a degree.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said a strong westerly over the country was bringing warm, dry air to the east coast and wet weather to the west.
The high in Gisborne comes as a state of emergency is declared in Gore, with heavy rainfall causing significant surface flooding and the region under a heavy rain warning until late this evening.
But on the East Coast, every day this week had been at least five degrees warmer than the September average of 17 degrees, Makgabutlane said.
It will not stay that high for long.
"We actually see that temperature peaking today," she said.
"By the end of the weekend we're back in the teens at around 18."
Earlier this month, NIWA meteorologists warned the weather would take a dramatic turn, thanks to the return of the El Niño weather pattern, which occurs when Pacific Ocean surface temperatures rise above normal.
After months of wet weather, emphasised by the destruction caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in February, Gisborne residents are hopeful this signals a change that will allow the area to properly dry out and infrastructure repairs to get back on track.
However, forestry crews in particular are worried about the increased fire risk which comes with warm, dry weather.