The low which contributed to the wintry spell this week is making a comeback and is already affecting the both islands again.

It’s been a slightly warmer night over the North Island however temperatures are still quite low in a number of centres.  Hamilton is currently the coldest spot in the North Island with zero degrees.   While it’s cold in Auckland, most suburbs are around 5 to 7 degrees.  Yesterday some places fell to zero.

Other centres around the central North Island are also very cold however as the low to the east returns so too has the wind.  Building southerlies means frosts aren’t as likely this morning for most places.

Gales are blasting Wellington with gusts to almost 140km/h on the exposed ranges around the city.  Within the city gale force winds are gusting to 90km/h this hour.

Gale force winds are also affecting Kaikoura and gusty conditions remain in Christchurch.   Akaroa and Banks Peninsula also have gales however the winds have a dramatic cut off point south of Banks Peninsula with Timaru on -1 and no wind at all.

WeatherWatch.co.nz advises all motorists to be prepared for possible delays and road closures due to snow and ice around Mt Ruapehu today.  Snow is forecast for the Desert road this afternoon or evening.

WeatherWatch.co.nz has issued a number of travel warnings this weekend, for air, road and sea – you’ll find them all here.