There should be a chill in the air for most New Zealanders today as colder air, following two cold fronts yesterday, moves across the country.

“Snow was forecast to fall overnight across South Island mountains so that will help chill the wind further for some today” says head weather analyst Philip Duncan.

Day time highs are again likely to be low across the far south.  Yesterday Invercargill struggled to reach just 11 degrees while Napier and Hastings soared to 25…Invercargill may again miss out on reaching the teens.  “This is very typical spring weather and spring seems to only just be getting started” says Duncan.

For northern and western centres the cool sou’wester will create a wind chill in the lower teens however Aucklanders should see a sunnier day than yesterday perhaps giving the impression that it’s warmer.

But warm weather will return – albeit for a short time – this Friday and Saturday.  “We have a big cold front moving in to the South Island late on Friday and up the North Island on Sunday.  Severe gale nor’westers are likely for southern and eastern areas which should push highs back in to the 20s”.

“It will be short lived though and following hot (or rather cold!) on its heels is a strong southerly meaning Sunday could be cold with snow or sleet to relatively low levels in Southland and Otago for a time and a biting cold wind for many elsewhere”.

The Weather Watch Centre will closely monitor the approaching Spring Storm and will update more regularly during Friday and Saturday.