Even I think this is cold, and that’s saying a lot.  After having been raised in temperatures cold enough to freeze water pipes (literally), I can take a lot of cold.  But today, I have to admit it; I’m cold.

Of course, it’s not just the air temperatures today.  It’s the wind too.

That wind is a double-edged sword.  It was enough to keep frost from forming early this morning.  It kept the air mixed up nicely so the coldest air didn’t settle into the valleys overnight.  But it sure does add an extra bite to the air.  It almost feels like if you sit outside long enough today, you will end up looking like our friend in the homepage image for this story.

Ok, so it’s not THAT cold.

And, of course, I am speaking from the perspective of someone who lives in the Waikato.  Your conditions may vary.  However, most of New Zealand today is seeing temperatures in the 8-14 range.  And not everyone is seeing the same blustery conditions.  That wind chill factor is a real factor in factoring just how cold you feel.

It also worth noting that this is not the first blast of winter this season, especially for South Islanders.  So that may colour your perception of today’s weather.

So how are things by you this afternoon?

Homepage image /  David Withell

By WeatherWatch Analyst Howard Joseph