The early start to winter may be here to stay according to the Weather Watch Centre.  Last week a large high in the Tasman Sea and a low to the east of New Zealand worked together to drag up bitterly cold air from just north of Antarctica and that same high and low are expected to continue the trend well in to the coming week.

Weather Watch says highs ranging from the mid single digits to under 12 are expected for most centres south of Taupo for at least the next few days as the southerlies continue.

The high in the Tasman Sea should move over the lower South Island on Tuesday bringing settled conditions but frosty nights – stretching north later in the week.

Today gale force southerlies are expected to continue lashing centres between Banks Peninsula and the lower North Island with strengthening south easterlies expected to move north on Monday affecting northern New Zealand too.

Rain is also likely in a number of North Island regions today and tomorrow.

We’re keen to hear from you – let us know what the weather’s doing outside your place by posting a new comment below.