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.
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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