Widespread Frosts and Below-Zero Temperatures Expected Across New Zealand

Kiwis are bracing for a chilly start to the week as widespread frosts and below-zero temperatures are forecast across much of the country. The MetService has warned that this is a typical pattern for this time of year, but the intensity of the cold has caught some by surprise, particularly in regions like Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Taumarunui.

Kiwis awoke to temperatures dipping below freezing in several areas, with Christchurch recording -3°C and Queenstown at -1°C. In Auckland, overnight temperatures dropped to 4°C, while Wellington also faced similar conditions. MetService forecaster Katie Hillyer confirmed that the weekend will see mostly calm and settled weather, with the odd shower in the lower South Island and east of the North Island.

“There will be fine and sunny spells in the west with some showers in the east,” Hillyer said. “But they will also catch glimpses of sun over the weekend.”

Areas experiencing clearer conditions are expected to feel the coldest, with Hillyer noting that parts of the Waikato, Waitomo, Bay of Plenty, and Taumarunui will feel particularly chilly for August. “Even by winter standards, there are some quite chilly mornings through there,” she said.

While frosts are expected across the South Island, Hillyer emphasized that these are common for this time of year. “Areas will remain the same as average for this time of year but there will still be some cold winter mornings.”

A front currently positioned over northern South Island is moving north, leaving a cooler airmass behind it. This has resulted in showers and even snow spotted down to around 900 meters in southern parts of the South Island this morning.

On the other side of the country, Auckland is expected to enjoy more sunny weather, but with chillier mornings. The City of Sails is forecast to reach a high of 13°C today and 14°C tomorrow, with a low of 5°C. Hamilton is expected to reach a high of 14°C today and tomorrow but will drop below 0°C overnight.

In the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is predicted to reach 15°C today and 14°C tomorrow, with a low of 5°C on both days. Wānaka and Queenstown are expected to be at or below zero this morning and tomorrow morning.

Even areas on the east coast, such as Ashburton, Christchurch, and Timaru, will experience temperatures near 0°C and some frosts. Christchurch is forecast to see a low of 0°C tonight and a fall to -2°C tomorrow morning. Hillyer noted that these temperatures are within normal expectations for this time of year.

As the country prepares for a cold start to the week, residents are advised to take precautions, including protecting vulnerable plants and animals and ensuring heating systems are in good working order. With the high-pressure system set to bring pleasant weather over the coming days, the focus now shifts to managing the cold mornings and enjoying the occasional sunny spells.