People wake to icy conditions, sub-zero temps across the country

Many across the country are waking to "icy conditions" this morning, according to MetService.

The forecaster said minimum temperatures recorded since midnight were in the single digits for most.

Twizel took the coldest spot at -5C, followed by Taumarunui at -3C and Hamilton, Rotorua and Taupō at -2C.

Frosty conditions were also felt in Whakatāne and Wānaka, each dropping to -1C.

Auckland dropped to 3C overnight, with Tauranga, New Plymouth, Upper Hutt and Westport all dropping to a brisk 4C.

Temperatures along parts of the east coast and lower North Island were noticeably milder, with Wellington as the warmest main centre at 9C overnight.

Whanganui, Dunedin and the Chatham Islands all reached 8C.

Gisborne, Napier and Kaikōura all dipped to 7C.

MetService meteorologist Heather Keats said it was "a bit brisk this morning".

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"We do have a ridge of high pressure building in which has helped stomp out that windy south or south-westerly, but we are in for a decent day today for pretty much the whole country."

Earlier this week, Desert Rd was closed due to snow - as frosty conditions prompted warnings for drivers to take extra care.