While the week certainly started off bitterly cold the mercury has roared back, as to be expected at this time of year.

Yesterday parts of Central Otago hit 24 degrees and this afternoon heat has again returned to the deep south – and the upper North Island.

This hour Auckland is hovering around 19 and 20 degrees while Northland is around 18 and 19.

Paeroa has 19 degrees and Taupo is also one of the warmest centres on 18 degrees along with New Plymouth.

In the South Island Nelson has 21 while Wanaka and Manapouri are on 20.

Gore and Invercargill both have 18 degrees.

But the chilly winds are still affecting some places – Kaikoura has 11, Wellington has 12 along with Hawera and Rotorua has 13 degrees.

Typical spring conditions.

Homepage image / David Hawke