The sweltering Central summer heat is back and it’s causing a rush on fan sales and ice cream consumption. So, how hot has it been, and what can you do to find relief?

Alexandra Airport’s weather station hit 31.4 degrees on January 9, making it the second hottest spot in the country that day, behind the Wānaka Aerodrome which hit a sweltering 32.2 degrees.

MetService meteorologist Peter Little said a ridge of high pressure lingers over the South Island this week. This ridge has been partly responsible for keeping Cyclone Hale away, but also helps to keep other weather systems at arm's length.

“The weather will remain fairly settled across the region right through the week and into the weekend, with light winds and warm to hot daytime temperatures forecast.  

“Over the weekend some cloud build-ups during the daytime are expected to produce a few showers…they should be isolated enough not to spoil many outdoor plans,” Peter said.

Tauranga couple Tony and Sharon, on holiday here camping and biking, said they were loving the freedom camping spots with shade in Central.

Tony and Sharon are spending one month away from home and heading down the South Island, their final destination is Stewart Island

“If you can be by the river or the lake it feels about five degrees cooler,” Tony said.

Melbourne youngsters Miller (9) and brother Seb (12) enjoyed a swim by the Dunstan Arm Rowing Club. 

They are visiting relatives in Clyde and making the most of the summer break from school, and Miller threw down an impressive back handspring for the Central App. Watch it here.

Ideas to help beat the heat:

• Drink plenty of water (this goes for pets and animals too)
• Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (snaffle a siesta)
• If exercising outside go early morning, or late evening when the sun is not as strong and temperatures are cooler
• Close curtains to keep the sun out
• Run a fan (stick a bowl of ice in front of it to circulate cooler air), or your air conditioning/heat pump on cool 
• If you’re in the sun slip, slop, slap and wrap on some sunglasses (and head to the shade)
• Open your windows at night to let the cool air in, and then close them before the temperature outside heats up
• Swim (in a lake, or a safe river swim spot, or a paddling pool, or a council owned pool, or even a cool bath or shower will help to lower your core body temperature)
• Switch your coffee or tea for an icy-drink or treat - support a local ice cream store (for real fruit ice creams Jackson Orchard, Freeway Orchard or Cheeki Cherries, for luxury options Clyde’s Nom nom and also Alexandra Night ‘n’ Day’s ice cream counter) 
• Consider your wardrobe (ditch the black sweater, think jandals or sandals, natural breathable fabrics and a wide brimmed straw hat) 

Advice on heat stroke and symptoms can be found on the not for profit community website Health Navigator.  

Be like two year old labrador Benji and head to cool water to lower your core body temperature

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