MetService is forecasting severe overnight frosts across large parts of the country tonight, with the forecaster warning "the next few nights are going to be our coldest" as the cold snap continues.
Transpower said the country had already topped previous levels of energy use as heat pumps and oil columns were turned up.
"This morning we saw a new record for electricity use in New Zealand of 7247 MW as people across the country turned their heaters up as the polar blast moved in," the energy provider said.
Several "customer advice notices" have been issued to warn electricity generators about the increased need.
"We've issued several customer advice notices this week as demand has climbed," Transpower told power users in a statement, "helping support industry-wide coordination during these winter peaks and keeping the lights – and heaters – on for you.
"We’re keeping a close eye on the situation and while things are tight at this stage we don’t anticipate any impact to electricity supply and we don’t need New Zealanders to take any action."
Yesterday, many across the country woke to another bitterly cold start as sub-zero temperatures and frosts set in.
A snow dump in Dunedin caused traffic chaos, with emergency services responding to at least 20 weather-related call outs, and a dusting of snow even fell in Wellington for the first time in almost a decade.
Forecasters say the coldest day of winter has yet to come. (Source: 1News)
MetService's latest forecast warns of severe overnight frosts across large parts of the country tonight, with Northland to Waitomo — including Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Taupo and Taumarunui — expected to be fine but with "severe" frosts in places.
The remaining South Island regions are also forecast to be fine with severe overnight frosts in many places, while Canterbury, Clutha and Southland will see coastal cloud and showers clear this afternoon before severe frosts set in overnight.
Taranaki to Wellington, including Taihape, can expect a few showers with sleet about the mountains, gradually easing with fine spells increasing and morning frosts tomorrow. Gisborne to Wairarapa will have showers with occasional small hail and snow to 500m, gradually easing and retreating to the coast before becoming fine tomorrow.
MetService meteorologist John Law told Breakfast this morning the cold temperatures were not due to disappear just yet, saying "the next few nights are going to be our coldest".
"So Thursday night into Friday, I think that's going to be a really chilly one, even up in towards Auckland and Northland.
"But I think once we're head in towards Friday, a bit of a change in our wind direction, back to more northerlies, so lose that cold southerly air over us. So temperatures getting a little bit better as we head through in towards the weekend," he said.
He said some of the coldest areas in the South Island including Tekapo and toward Mount Cook Village recorded temperatures of -7 and -8C overnight.
"Even up north, we've had some pretty cold temperatures, threes and fours, but with a bit of a breeze there it makes it feel much colder.
"But it's worth saying, even if we thought last night was cold, the next few nights are probably going to be a couple of degrees colder. So you definitely need those extra layers, those gloves, and those extra woolly blankets," he said.
Law said "areas that stuck out into the east caught the most of that snowfall".
"So places like Dunedin, the Otago Peninsula, Banks Peninsula, with those showers just running through, and Christchurch further inland a lot drier.
"Today, I think most of the showers are going to be across those eastern parts of the North Island. Mostly is rain, but a bit of a sleety mix in there, and some hail as we head through the day."
Snow and ice hits SH2 near Gisborne
NZTA said it had crews on standby overnight tonight to monitor the state highway network north and south of Gisborne on areas known for snow and ice.
This included Traffords Hill and the Wharerātā area on State Highway 2.
If required, crews will treat the road surface to reduce the risk of ice forming, NZTA said.
If conditions worsen, NZTA said it might temporarily close the state highway for safety.
"Please expect the possibility of a short-notice closure.
"Closing roads is our last resort, so other options to reduce/remove ice will be considered first, such as placing grit on the surface to improve vehicle grip, alongside the use of safety signage and traffic management to support positive driving behaviour."
Roads reopen after snow closures
New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said State Highway 2 at Remutaka Hill was back open.
"Road crews have worked hard to restore the route to ensure the highway can reopen safely," the agency said in an update shortly after 11.30am.
"While the weather has improved, the highway remains affected by residual snow and ice.
"Drivers are encouraged to drive to the conditions, reduce their speed, and use caution when travelling over Remutaka Hill."
The Desert Rd in the central North Island also re-opened after an overnight closure.
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