A southerly change followed by a large high is often the perfect recipe for cold nights and that’s precisely what is happening.

A large high is today rolling in from the Tasman Sea and it will ‘lock in’ the cooler air.

While the daytime temperatures are normal the overnight lows are in fact dipping below average this week so get the socks ready, the extra blankets, the heaters, the fire wood.

Frosts are likely across the South Island’s interior and through some parts of the North Island, including as far north as Waikato and rural South Auckland. 

The next few nights are cold but sub-tropical winds do arrive late week for a time. So while Hamilton’s overnight low is around freezing tonight, the low is double digits by Thursday night with 10 degrees.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz