Jack Frost will be sneaking back tonight in sheltered parts of both islands as today’s cool southwesterly flow dies away and the clouds clear.

However, it’s a markedly different story north of about a line from Kawhia to Tauranga, where thickening cloud and a rising easterly wind will bring rain for some and keep temperatures up in the low to mid-teens.

Across the southern half of the North Island and much of the South Island, most places will have minimum temperatures 3degC or more below average for this time of May, meaning a frosty start for many.

The exception will be parts of South Westland, where temperatures should be pretty much normal.

Tomorrow, rain and frontal cloud north of Hamilton will keep day maximums around their usual levels, in the mid to late-teens.

South Islanders will have a pleasant day temperature-wise, with temperatures becoming mild the further inland and west you are, thanks to sunny weather and a lack of wind. Sheltered valley locations could experience maxima at least 4degC to 5degC above normal.

Expect another cold night tomorrow night for many in central and southern parts of the country.

For Max & Min NZ Temperature maps for the next few days and nights ahead, please visit our new maps page: https://www.weatherwatch.co.nz/maps-radars/temperature/temperature

By Guest Weather Analyst Paul Gorman – WeatherWatch.co.nz