Fine and frosty weather isn’t expected to last

Clear skies made for a frosty start to Sunday across much of New Zealand. MetService Meteorologist Peter Little commented, “The mercury dropped to -7.2°C at Pukaki Aerodrome in the South Island, while in the North Island our weather station at South Waiouru dipped to -4.4°C”.

This was following a period of unsettled weather, in which a series of fronts and troughs affected the country. “An active front crossed New Zealand from the west on Thursday and Friday, bringing heavy rain to western areas along with thunderstorms that produced around 9000 lightning strikes. On Saturday, a cold front marched northwards, bringing cooler temperatures, further rain or showers to most places, and brief snow to the Desert Road”, added Little.

Sunday’s mostly fine and frosty weather isn’t expected to last, with unsettled weather forecast to return on Monday. “A trough of low pressure moves onto the country from the Tasman Sea on Monday, then lingers for much of the working week. Severe Weather Watches for heavy rain have been issued, and people should be aware there is also a risk of thunderstorms for some regions in the coming days”, explained Little.

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