The last two days were the coldest of the year so far in the Bay of Plenty.
MetService meteorologist Stephen Glassey said Sunday morning's low of -1.7C in Rotorua was the coldest of the year, while Monday's was not far off at -1.4C. Monday was Tauranga's coldest day ofthe year with a low of 1.5C, the previous coldest being 1.7C on June 30.
The resulting ice and frost led to several early morning crashes on Monday and a warning from police to take extra care when driving.
"There were four times in June where the temperature in Rotorua dropped below zero," Glassey said.
"It got down to -1.6C in Rotorua a couple of times in June but [Sunday] was the coldest by a whisker."
Looking ahead, Glassey said the next few days would be warmer in the Bay of Plenty, but the frost could return at the weekend.
"Tomorrow, we're forecasting a low of 3C for Rotorua and Tauranga is 7C. Wednesday morning is 10C and 12C respectively," he said.
"We've got a weather system coming in from the Tasman sea. There will be strong winds, cloud, and some rain later on Tuesday and into Wednesday morning.
"After that, we're back to a cold southwest flow so towards the end of the week, sort of Friday morning, there will be some more cold mornings and frost."
A reader snapped this early morning picture in Hamurana today. Photo / Supplied
This morning Bay of Plenty police were urging drivers to take care as the region woke to another frosty morning.
Two vehicles left the road in separate crashes near the Mangorewa Gorge.
A police spokeswoman said two cars were in a ditch, near the intersection of State Highway 36 (Pyes Pa Rd) and Te Matai Rd, after crashing about 7am.
There were reports of black ice on that section of road, she said. There were no injuries or blockages, however, police were organising for grit to be put on the icy sections of road.
In another incident, a vehicle left the road on State Highway 5, between Five Mile and Eight Mile Gate Rds, about 3.30am.
There were no injuries reported but police were assisting with traffic management, slowing traffic due to ice on the road, the spokeswoman said.
Police asked drivers, via social media, to take extra care on the roads due to black ice and wintry road conditions across the region.
"Roads can become icy and slick when it's cold so remember to increase the following distance between you and the car in front to ensure you have enough time to stop safely," the post said.
It's a frosty morning in Rotorua. Photo / Supplied
"When you're on a wet, icy, or snowy road, it's important not to brake suddenly or to accelerate quickly, as you could aquaplane or skid.
"In these situations, more than ever, driving to the conditions is crucial. Slow down to arrive alive."
❄️❄️❄️TAKE EXTRA CARE OUT THERE ❄️❄️❄️
Police are urging motorists to take extra care on the roads this morning due to...
The New Zealand Transport Agency said, on social media, there were reports of icy conditions in multiple areas throughout Central Waikato, including Taupō.
"Contractors are working to grit road surfaces on key routes however extra care should be taken this morning across the region."
According to MetService, Rotorua residents can expect a mainly fine day, but frosty and possibly foggy at first with cloud increasing in the evening. The forecasted low is 2C, although at 7am the temperature read -0.4C, and the high 12C.
The forecast for Tauranga is also for a mainly fine day, but frosty in sheltered places at first and clouding over in the evening. The expected low is 6C, although is currently sitting at 2.1C, and the high 14C.
As we start a new work week, will the dry and chilly weather continue?
Those in Taupō can expect a mainly fine day, but frosty and possibly foggy at first with cloud increasing in the evening. The forecasted low is 0C and the high 10C.
The forecast is much of the same for Whakatāne; a mainly fine day, but frosty at first, and clouding over in the evening. The predicted low is 3C and the high 13C.
