The North Island has a lot of wind, cloud, rain and snow this morning – so temperatures are unlikely to dive much below zero, if at all. But in the South Island skies are clearing spectacularly and winds are dying out also, making for severe frosts.

The coldest of the Antarctic air spreads over the country today and tomorrow.

Some of the most severe frosts of 2016 are expected this weekend in some places – pipes may burst in the south and black ice may close some highways in both islands.

Sunday morning looks especially cold – but tonight and Monday morning may be even colder for some areas, especially further north as skies clear more and winds die out further.

Much of next week looks cold too with frosts in calm areas of both islands, especially the South Island.

– Image / Dawn Sunday

– WeatherWatch.co.nz