Frosts and sub-zero temperatures were widespread across the South Island. Photo: RNZ / Jean Edwards
Frosts were widespread across the South Island on Tuesday with temperatures as low as -6.2C.
The sub-zero temperatures will bring frosty mornings and clear sunny afternoons for much of the country this week, MetService says.
Shortly after 7.30am Omarama was sitting at - 6.2C, while overnight Queenstown dropped just below - 2 °C, Franz Joseph was 0.7C and Nelson dipped to 2C.
Between a Ridge and a Low Place - Weekly outlook
— MetService (@MetService) August 11, 2025
Cold southerlies are gripping NZ this week, locking in frosty mornings and crisp, sunny afternoons for many. Inland & southern areas can expect widespread frosts, while eastern regions (like Canterbury to Hawke’s Bay) face… pic.twitter.com/TLlNzPxxQz
Meteorologist Oscar Shiviti said a high pressure system would bring cold temperatures, light south westerlies and fine conditions - particularly in central and western parts of the country.
"We are expecting the frosty conditions to persist up until the weekend because we are seeing sub-zero temperatures in a lot of places up until Friday night. Frosty conditions are definitely on the cards for the remainder of the week," Shiviti said.
Shiviti said said afternoon and maximum temperatures would range about the mid teens for most areas.
The system's south-easterly flow was bringing rain to eastern coastal parts of the North Island which were expected to remain for at least the next two days.
Elsewhere clear, crisp conditions were expected for much of the country.
Later in the week another front "pushing in the from the south west" could bring showers to western parts of the South Island such as Fiordland and the West Coast.
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