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.
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."
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.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including Jetstar’s carry-on changes, and Ariana Grande addresses her fans. (Source: 1News)
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