Spring-like temperatures are bathing central and northern parts of New South Wales today, with some places experiencing record temperatures for this time of the year. Residents could be forgiven for thinking it was spring rather than winter as temperatures pushed into the mid-to-high 20s across the state's central and northern parts. With the balmy temperatures coinciding with a weekend, many will have flocked to the beach to soak up the vitamin D. For those that were wondering if this kind of weather at this time of the year is strange - it is. Temperatures were warmer in northern NSW on the first day of the month last year, but are still not a common occurrence so early in August. However, in central NSW the warmth has been far more significant, and even unprecedented in some parts at this time of the year. Both Norah Head and Tocal fell just short of 28 degrees around an hour after midday, their warmest day this early in the warming season in 45 years and 20 years of records respectively. Cessnock recorded 26 degrees, the balmiest it has been at this time of the year in 46 years of records, while Port Macquarie was just short of hitting 29 degrees. The cause of the warmth was gusty northwesterly winds dragging a very warm airmass into NSW ahead of a strong cold front. Coincidentally, it will be this strong cold front that will snap it back into winter-like weather again from Monday - so don't pack away that winter gear just yet.