After the cold southerly comes the frosty weather, at least for inland parts of both islands. WeatherWatch.co.nz says cold air brought in by the southerly change today will settle as winds ease and showers clear the South Island slowly, allowing for clear skies to produce frosts.

Frost forecaster James Morrison, who runs Weather Station (NZ based weather and climate consulting), told WeatherWatch.co.nz he is “very concerned” about frosts in Central Otago, parts of Nelson and inland parts of Marlborough on Saturday morning. “Some models are suggesting that the coldest parts of Otago will fall below -5c” Morrison told WeatherWatch.co.nz. 

“Cloud and wind will be the big factors tonight though, especially in Marlborough. We are hoping for wind to help growers out tonight in Nelson and Marlborough. If the winds stay then the risk of frost decreases”.

Mr Morrison says inland parts of Marlborough and Nelson are looking at -1c overnight tonight. “On Sunday morning the concern moves further north, we are keeping a close eye on Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay and Bay of Plenty. Temperatures are likely to slip below freezing about areas that are well sheltered so inland parts of Hawke’s Bay could drop to -1c”.

He says the flow has a strong south to southwest feel to it so the risk for frost increases.

Frosts may also occur around King Country and Taumarunui on Sunday with overnight lows hovering around 0C.

James Morrison is a New Zealand based weather and climate consultant specialising in frost forecasting. We thank him for contributing to this story today. You can contact James directly here. 

– WeatherWatch.co.nz