The frosty weather that has set in across many regions this week is gradually starting to fade ahead of the next low says WeatherWatch.co.nz.

Head weather analyst Philip Duncan says over Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings frosts will retreat to more inland and alpine areas, having less reach as the air over New Zealand starts to warm up by a degree or two.  Any remaining frosts are likely to be more central North Island focused too, as winds build over the South Island and lower North Island.

“The nights and mornings will still be cold until the weekend for most places but a few more clouds and fog patches will help lift overnight lows”.

Mr Duncan says it will be a similar story in other main centres.  “In the South Island we have a southerly change moving in which will still lock in the cold stuff but the wind and cloud should lessen if not remove the chance of frosts in Christchurch”.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says isolated fog patches could be an issue for some flights on both Thursday and Saturday at some North Island airports with a slight breeze on Friday likely reducing fog risks.  “A fog patch doesn’t have to affect the whole region to cause flight delays and cancellations – it only has to affect the airport area itself.  We’re just advising people to check airline websites before flying or picking people up, just to be on the safe side, in case there are some delays”.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says the chance for overnight and morning fog patches is around 30% for the central and upper North Island.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz