Get ready for one of the coldest winters in years, Metservice says. Temperatures could run as much as 15ºC below average.
New Zealand is entering a colder than normal winter, according to meteorologist Georgina Griffiths.
“The bottom line for June is great news for ski fields, not so good for power bills,” said Griffiths.
The coldest areas on Thursday morning were around Otago and south Canterbury – Ranfurly dropped to -3.1C and Pukaki -3C.
The deep south has seen ice cold temperatures with snow falling to 300 metres in Otago, Fiordland and Southland.
More heavy snow is due on Thursday with 20 to 40 cm (16 inches) expected above 400 metres across the lower South Island.
Coldest winter in years on its way – MetService
A cold front from the South Island brought snow and ice to the central North Island causing the closure of the Desert Road on State Highway 1 between Waiouru and Rangipo. The deep south has seen ice cold temperatures with snow falling to 300 metres in Otago, Fiordland and Southland.
Temperatures plummet as icy blast sweeps country
New Zealanders are having a freezing start to the weekend as the coldest forecast winter in years begins to set in. MetService is predicting temperatures to hit single-figures across the country on Saturday, leaving some South Island roads treacherous with black ice.