The hot, sunny weather in Halifax on Sunday turned out to be a record-breaker.

The temperature registered 23 C at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, according to Environment Canada, which shatters the old record of 17.7 C set in 1981.

At 17 C, Sydney was just shy of its high mark of 19.2 C, also set in 1981.

Temperatures are well above normal in both areas. Daily highs for this time in April usually hover around 6 C or 7 C.

Environment Canada predicts a warmer and drier spring in much of Canada. Between April 1 and June 30, temperatures in 137 cities are expected to be above normal, while precipitation is expected to be lower than normal.

However, the department also warns that this three-month outlook shouldn't be confused with a daily weather forecast.