Don the togs, it's a belter

Thermometer hits 35deg in Christchurch

Don Scott

Cooling off: Rhyan Young, five, and Leighton Eckhold, eight, enjoy the water spout at Waltham Pool yesterday.

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The temperature in Christchurch hit 35deg at 2pm today as the long hot summer continued and sent hordes to swimming pools.

HOW ARE YOU KEEPING COOL? EMAIL US BELOW WITH YOUR SUGGESTIONS

With a high of 32deg yesterday, Christchurch City Council-run pools reported more than 10,000 swimmers arriving for a dip at Belfast, Waltham, Halswell, Lyttelton, Templeton and Jellie Park pools.

But that was cool compared to today, with still, warm conditions turning Thursday into a scorcher. The temperature exceeded the forecast 29deg to head well into the mid 30s.

Jellie Park operations leader Steve Gibling said the number of swimmers was likely to increase as the warm weather continued.

MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said today's weather was likely to be fine and sunny with a high of 29deg. However, Cantabrians who like it hot should not pin their hopes on consistent high temperatures.

He predicted tomorrow's weather would take a turn for the cooler with a front moving across the region. Southerly winds and rain would pitch up on Saturday with the weather likely to clear on Sunday.

HOT OUTLOOK

New Zealanders are looking set to enjoy a long hot summer.

Temperatures through to March are likely to be average or above average across the country, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) said today.

It was likely to be drier than average in the south, but rainfall in the north was expected to be normal or above normal.

Niwa predicted more easterlies than normal in the north but lighter winds than normal in the south.

Moderate La Nina conditions were likely to continue into autumn, it said.

There was a slightly higher chance of an ex-tropical cyclone passing within 500km of the country during the cyclone season through to May.

- with  NZPA

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Stanislav Kavale   #6   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

...39degC in the shade????.... I make it more like minus 10 ... by 2pm it will have warmed up a little to minus 6.... sk Prague Czech Rep.

enjay   #5   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

...and remember to put water out for the birds, twice daily if necessary, and water in large shallow dishes,(plant pot saucers are good,) for the hedgehogs who help keep gardens free of slugs and other nasties. Unfortunately virtually impossible to keep enough water to wilting trees and shrubs, we bucket washing machine water out to help our garden.

Kate   #4   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I'm opening the freezer doors and standing inside for a few seconds every hour or so. mmmmmmm......

J   #3   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

The cold beer tastes a lot better

krystal   #2   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

i have been told it is 39 degrees in the shade at a cheviot home today ! hate to think what it is like in the sun. thank god for air conditioning in the shop.

Jo   #1   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

If you have caged pets, please check on them. Make sure they're in a shady place with a bit of a breeze. Give them lots of water. If necessary put wet towels over their cages. Small animals such as rabbits and chickens are particularly prone to heatstroke.

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