Scorcher in the Bay

Napier recorded its secondwarmest day this early in spring ever, with the temperature reaching a scorching 28.9 degrees Celsius yesterday. The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) said the maximum temperature was the second highest recorded in the Hawke’s Bay city between September 1-October 27 since records began in 1870. Niwa meteorologist Seth Carrier said a warm air mass moving over the North Island, combined with westerly winds coming off the interior ranges in Hawke’s Bay, had likely caused the mercury to climb. ‘‘When air moves down from a higher elevation towards sea level that helps the air mass warm up even more.’’ Nearby Hastings recorded the country’s hottest temperature of 29C.