As an anticyclone lies over the South Island tonight expect very cold temperatures to develop, cold overnight lows can be expected about the Central North Island also but not as bad.

Lows of -4 to -5 can be expected about the inner South Island, -3 to -4 likely even for coastal parts of Marlborough. This will be a concern to growers.

Tonight’s warmest overnight lows are likely about northern Northland getting down to 9 degrees.

A departing southerly airflow brings a cold day to the eastern North Island on Thursday meanwhile winds are mostly light for the South Island with temperatures starting to warm up in the afternoon for coastal areas. Some inland spots don’t reach their full potential due to a hangover from the cold temperatures the night before.

Southland and coastal Otago will match Kaitaia with highs around 15 degrees, a chance Southland and Otago may hit 16 or 17 if a northwest influence is strong enough. The coldest day time temperatures go to Gisborne on 9.

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz