Key Facts
- Cold night
- Another freezing cold night for much of the country
- Snow in Dunedin
- Thick snow hit the Dunedin area from Monday night
- Sleet in Wellington
- More sleety showers possible in areas including Wellington
- Coldest mornings
- Overnight temperatures forecast to drop to coldest of the year from Wednesday morning onwards
- Coldest day
- Thursday morning looking like the coldest of the week for most
Background
New Zealand has experienced another freezing cold night across much of the country, continuing a spell of icy weather. The cold blast has brought thick snow to the Dunedin area since Monday night, with the icy conditions moving northward toward the capital, Wellington.
The weather system has been accompanied by sleety showers, which are possible in areas including Wellington. The cold snap has been affecting daily life, with residents bracing for further drops in temperature.
Current Situation
According to MetService, overnight temperatures are forecast to drop to the coldest of the year so far for many places around the motu (country) from Wednesday morning onwards. Thursday morning is expected to be the coldest of the week for most areas.
The icy blast has been whipping slurries up the country toward the capital, indicating that the cold conditions are spreading. The public is advised to follow the liveblog for the latest updates as the situation develops.
| Day | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Monday night | Thick snow hit Dunedin area |
| Wednesday morning | Coldest of the year so far for many places |
| Thursday morning | Coldest of the week for most |
Impacts
The freezing temperatures and snow are likely to affect travel and daily activities, particularly in the Dunedin area where thick snow has already fallen. Sleet showers in Wellington could disrupt commutes and outdoor events.
Residents across the country may need to take precautions against the cold, such as ensuring adequate heating and protecting vulnerable individuals. The cold snap could also impact agriculture and infrastructure if conditions persist.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the forecast holds, Wednesday and Thursday mornings will bring the coldest temperatures of the year so far, potentially leading to icy roads and hazardous conditions. Authorities may issue further warnings if the cold snap intensifies.
Should the cold weather continue, there could be increased demand for energy and heating, and possible disruptions to transport networks. However, if the system moves through quickly, conditions may improve by the weekend, though this remains uncertain.
Source: rnz.co.nz
