Warmer, wetter weather on its way

Icy conditions caused trouble for motorists over the weekend. Photo / George Novak

A cold snap across the region caused black ice over the long weekend but warmer winter weather is on the way.

Police issued warnings to motorists across the Bay of Plenty region to take care on the roads due to a number of incidents where cars have slid due to ice.

MetService meteorologist Emma Blades said while Tauranga had a high of 16C on both Saturday and Sunday and 16.9C on Sunday there was a low of 3C for the whole weekend.

Although the temperatures recorded were above freezing, there would have been pockets that fell below 0C.

Rotorua's temperature only made it past 0C after 10am on Monday morning, she said.

"Certainly, areas closer inland, like your ranges there, they have been below freezing from last night. That is potentially where you will have the ice on the roads. Even though the weather has been quite dry."

Wet weather photos. Photo/file

There was a change in the weather for the week, she said. This morning there would be some cloud before the skies cleared, however, this evening there would be increasing cloud.

"There is a front starting to approach the country from the Tasman Sea. We will get some patchy drizzle developing at night. Wednesday there would be cloudy periods with the odd shower. On Thursday the weather really starts to deteriorate with rain and some possible heavy falls. The same story on Friday."

Ms Blades said there was a positive to this week's weather. There had been quite cold air through the long weekend because of the high pressure and clear skies, she said.

"This next weather feature is wet, but much much warmer, and the temperatures will pick up."

Day temperatures were predicted to be 20C, while overnight temperatures would rise to 15C.

A police spokesman said police had received calls about icy roads throughout the district, but there had not been any road closures during the weekend. Police said motorists needed to ensure they drove to the conditions and reduced their speed where necessary.

Warnings:

* Motorists should check for warnings and closures on www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic.