For nine successive days from Friday, November 6, to Sunday, November 15, the maximum temperature has been above 35C, resulting in an average of 40.1C.

This is an unheard of figure for November that is usually only reached during scorchers in January or February.

The ominous news came from Recorder weather expert Joe McLaughlin.

He said the previous record of seven

consecutive days above 35C happened in November, 1980, and had a daily maximum that averaged 38.5C. All the November records for days above 35C, 37.8C (100F) and 40C have been broken at the halfway mark of the month.

If the November average daily maximum of 27.6C is maintained in the final 15 days of the month, the November record daily high of 31.3C in 1927 will be broken.

The cooler change that arrived yesterday brought temperatures back to about 35C, but the change is to be brief as the

maximums forecast for the next three

days are today 38C, Wednesday 43C, Thursday 41C with Friday and Saturday in the low 30Cs.

Power consumption spiked during the heatwave with residents seeking comfort inside their homes beside air-conditioners and fans. Many turned out at Solomontown Beach and the revamped swimming pool at the weekend.

Most enjoyed the cool waters while others were content to sit in the shade.

Cricket, bowls and tennis were cancelled as the searing temperatures threatened to take their toll on sports people.

There was some relief yesterday, but the summer will march on this week.