Feeling the heat? So, it seems, are plenty of others in the Bay.
Fans and air conditioning units have been in hot demand as the region enjoys a decent run of warm weather.
Saturday saw the highest temperature in Tauranga so far this year, although overall we are having a cooler January.
Temperatures
have climbed above 25C seven times this month, peaking at 28C and the average is currently sitting at 19C. However, the average temperature for previous January months is 23.9C and the highest January temperature ever recorded was in 1998, at 29.8C
Bunnings Warehouse has been doing a roaring trade in fans.
"We've been flat-out selling fans especially pedestal fans," electrical co-ordinator John Rose said. "We nearly ran out a week ago but luckily we got a new shipment in."
The store has sold thousands of free-standing fans while ceiling fans, portable air conditioning units and irrigation systems were also in demand.
One person taking full advantage of Mr Rose was his daughter Ella, who paid a visit to her father's work yesterday afternoon. "We have (a fan) in each of our rooms," the 12-year-old said, trying out some of the models on display. It's been really hot."
And an increasing number of people are looking for a more permanent solution.
Technicool Refrigeration has "a long list" of people signing up for air conditioning units, said owner Lindsay Michell. "Once the weather gets hot there's an increase in interest. You could probably say when summer hits and you get a hot day, the number of calls jumps 60 per cent."
Mr Michell said air conditioning was becoming increasingly popular as it was more affordable than it used to be. It also doubled as a heating system in winter, which was cheaper than other forms of heating.
"Our lifestyles have changed. People spend more on themselves and their homes than they used to. It's a lifestyle thing."
MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt said that in the grand scheme of things, it hasn't been particularly hot. "It's just been summer. Temperatures are within coo-ee of normal."
The current stretch of sunshine is due to an anticyclone and high pressure keeping away rain bands and cooler air. However, MetService said this would "relax a bit" on Thursday when a cooler southwesterly comes through.
Keeping your cool
* Buy a paddling pool - they're not just for youngsters
* Put the sprinkler on and run through it (see above)
* Wear a bag of frozen peas under your hat
* Fan yourself with a copy of the Bay of Plenty Times
Feeling the heat? So, it seems, are plenty of others in the Bay.
Fans and air conditioning units have been in hot demand as the region enjoys a decent run of warm weather.
Saturday saw the highest temperature in Tauranga so far this year, although overall we are having a cooler January.
Temperatures
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