Both islands are experiencing a difference in temperatures this afternoon as milder westerlies blow over the north, whereas a cool southerly airstream is covering much of the mainland and Wellington.

Temperatures over parts of the north and east of the North Island are approaching the high teens with a gusty westerly in places.

Over parts of Otago and Southland, a very cold southerly with passing wintry showers is keeping the thermometer at around 5 degrees. Conditions are expected to slowly improve with some frosts possible tonight in sheltered areas.

Main centres at midday

Auckland 14

Hamilton 14

Tauranga 16

Wellington 9

Christchurch 7

Dunedin 4