Canberrans were out in droves trying to keep cool at public pools yesterday as the mercury soared to 30 degrees.
Joe Suckling, 8, of Narrabundah, along with his mother Natalie Daalder, long-time fans of Manuka Pool, spent the afternoon at the facility, now open for its 80th summer.
Ms Daalder said she liked the pool's old-fashioned feel, ''its bleachers, the green, shady grassed area. It's great for spring picnics.''
ACT Government pools Canberra Olympic Pool, Civic, and Lakeside Leisure Centre, Tuggeranong, offer indoor facilities all year, but outdoor facilities Dickson Aquatic Centre and Manuka Pool operate only in warmer months.
Manuka Pool manager John ''Taz'' Taberner is looking after the art deco facility for his 29th summer.
He said yesterday's weather made it the perfect start to the season; 80 to 100 people were out playing soccer, picnicking, sleeping and, of course, swimming.
''It's a lovely afternoon at the neighbourhood pool,'' he said.
Dickson Aquatic Centre manager Shay Kennedy said fine weather had resulted in huge demand for learn-to-swim classes; 200 children booked for the first day.
Over the weekend, the pool, now open for its 14th summer, had about 2000 patrons.
A Department of Territory and Municipal Services spokeswoman encouraged all Canberrans to get out and enjoy the pools.
''It has been just over a year since Civic pool's upgrade was opened, so if you haven't already done so, go out and see the new dome,'' she said.
''As the weather heats up, don't forget the wonderful parks we have in Canberra.
''Go out to Tidbinbilla and have a look at native wildlife, too.''
Canberra's dams were 53.2 per cent full yesterday, according to Actew Corporation, and rainfall last month was about average.
Last month, the weather bureau recorded 42.4mm of rain at Canberra Airport, 75.2mm at Tuggeranong, and 84.6mm at Mt Ginini.
A high-pressure system centred over the Tasman Sea continues to direct a moist north-easterly stream over the region.
Warm and humid conditions combined with a trough of low pressure over inland NSW will continue to trigger afternoon showers and thunderstorms today.
Tomorrow, Melbourne Cup day, the passage of a cold front is likely to produce isolated showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon.
A ridge of high pressure developing across the Bass Strait on Wednesday is expected to bring fine conditions to the region for the rest of the week, apart from the chance of a shower on Thursday.