The Hunter got its first serious glimpse into the summer that lays ahead, with temperatures reaching the high 30s in parts of the region on Monday.
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Newcastle's beaches were busy throughout the day as a relatively tame top of 27 was recorded at Nobbys at 5pm.
But it was a different story a little way inland and further down the coast, with the mercury tipping 38 degrees at Gosford and Cooranbong late in the afternoon - and 37 at weather stations at Cessnock, Scone, Tocal and Williamtown.
But the heat is expected drop on Tuesday, with a top of 23 degrees predicted for Newcastle, 24 in the lower valley and 28 at Scone.
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