Temperatures were nearing zero in eastern parts of the mainland this morning after very warm and very gusty nor’ westers blew across the Canterbury Plains yesterday.

Timaru was down to 2 degrees and Christchurch fared only one degree warmer as clear skies and calm conditions saw all the warmth of yesterday escape.

Christchurch recorded 28 degrees yesterday but winds nearing 90kph saw dust being blown in all directions as the wind whipped up the dry silt and dust from the liquefaction as a result of last weeks earthquake.

Conditions are expected to be more pleasant today with sunny skies, and a northeasterly later with temperatures in the low 20s. 
Northwesterlies are likely to return tomorrow with the mercury nearing the 30 degree mark before a southerly change on Saturday afterrnoon with much cooler temperatures for the remainder of the weekend.