Southerners today awoke to a hefty frost over many parts this morning.

Frosts of 8, 9 and 10 degrees have been reported in various locations and temperatures were still sitting below zero in some centres mid-morning.

South Island weather analyst Richard Green said it came as no surprise really  but the biggest issue has been icy roads for motorists.

‘ Temperatures as low as minus 6 have been recorded at Dunedin Airport and Christchurch and Timaru had the mercury nudging minus 5’ Green said. ‘As of 9 o’clock, it’s still minus 5 at Dunedin Airport’.

Blenheim,Queenstown, Wanaka and Oamaru also managed to keep their temperatures below zero.

The cold damp southerly over the eastern regions from the weekend was responsible for the nippy conditions with the frigid air associated with it, although it’s not expected to hang around for too long.

The chill looks likely to last another 24 hours and today sunshine should be in abundance but temperatures should start to climb in some eastern areas of the mainland as a nor’wester should make its presence felt. Rain is on its way for western folk with the wind building but for some there is good news,  a quick thaw is on the cards!

Richard Green-S.I weather analyst