MetService warns of rare frosts for some unusual places this weekend

MetService has warned some rare frosts are on the way, even for parts of the country which are normally too warm.

Touches of winter have been observed across many regions of the country this week, and frost conditions have been noticeably cooler overnight.

Christchurch and Auckland both reached their lowest temperatures of the year so far, with -2.7C and 0.3C respectively recorded at the city’s airports.

MetService meteorologist Paris Marshall said “even Auckland, Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel, areas that are usually too warm to see frost, will see some patches” over the next few days.

MetService said the main driver of the settled but cold weather was a large area of high pressure centred over the country.

It noted high pressure system are often associated with clear skies and light winds, which allow heat to escape more readily overnight – causing low morning temperatures and widespread frosts during winter.

On Friday, a band of rain is forecast to approach the South Island. MetService said this high-pressure system is proving strong with rainfall gradually easing as it reaches Canterbury by tomorrow afternoon.

This system is expected to then remain the “dominant feature” for much of the weekend, and is forecast to bring generally settled conditions to most regions.

MetService added this will provide a settled end to the Fieldays event and generally favourable conditions for the Warriors’ clash against the Sharks this Saturday evening in Auckland.

“Warrior fans may need to wrap up a little warmer than usual as the sun goes down, but otherwise expect light winds and passing cloud for the game,” Marshall said.

Another weather system is also expected to approach New Zealand on Sunday, Which will be accompanied by a warmer air mass. MetService said this system will, gradually, bring better weather to start the new week.