Auckland's hottest day ever

Just when Auckland locals thought the weather couldn't get any hotter,  the mercury struck a record  32.4 degrees at Whenuapai Air Base yesterday afternoon.

The temperature peaked around 3.30pm yesterday and equalled a long standing weather record for Auckland's hottest day - previously recorded in the Auckland Domain in February 1872.

MetService forecaster Marilyn Avery said weather weary locals could expect some respite from the hot, sticky weather today.

"The front that came though overnight changed the air mass, and in doing so flushed out all that hot air.

"This means it's not going to be as humid over the next few days as it has been throughout the week.”

Yesterday's high was caused by the moisture-rich warm flow sitting across the top of the country from the Pacific Ocean, she said.

While yesterday was hot, it wasn’t as humid as earlier weather in the week which saw Whangaparoa and Awhitu record sweat-inducing humidity readings of 100 per cent.

"The humidity was down to about 50 per cent yesterday, which meant it was a drier heat than Auckland has been experiencing lately," Mrs Avery said.

Those who have found sleeping testing in the muggy conditions will have enjoyed little relief last night with most of the city sitting on a balmy overnight low of 20 degrees.

- © Fairfax NZ News