Weather: Blustery southerly wind plunges temperatures to single digits across New Zealand

Kiwis across the country woke up to chilly temperatures this morning as autumn blustery southerly winds plunged much of the country into single-digits.

The coldest temperatures were felt in the south, with Gore residents waking to a brisk 1.5C and those in Twizel 2C.

Around 7.30am, most of the country was in single-digit degrees due to a combination of clear skies and cold southerly winds.

Auckland was on 9C while Rotorua fell to 3C with nearly all centres on the east coast of both islands below 10C.

We are all about those temperatures at the moment! 🌡️❄️

Clear skies for many parts of the South Island and northern North Island overnight, combined with cold southerly winds, have made for another chilly start this morning! 🌬️🥶 pic.twitter.com/6yD0viQnH1

— MetService NZ (@MetService) March 2, 2026

With the colder temperatures also came a risk of frost in areas of high elevation in the South Island, MetService meteorologist Samkelo Magwala told the Herald.

Some mountainous areas dropped as low as -6C overnight.

Magwala also expected inland southern regions to experience frosts.

Southerly winds, which caused temperatures to dramatically drop yesterday, were set to continue this morning, especially on the East Coast of the North Island.

Fresh winds gusting up 90km/h were expected to hit parts of Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, while most other eastern areas could expect speeds of 40-50km/h before the winds eased after lunch.

The first snow of the year fell in Hawke’s Bay yesterday, topping the peaks of the Ruahine Ranges.

The first dumping of snow on the Ruahine Ranges for 2026 fell just two days after autumn started.

Snow was also seen in Horowhenua yesterday, with the district council posting a picture of the white-capped Tararua Range.

Snow on the Tararua Range. Photo / Horowhenua District Council

MetService meteorologist Dan Corrigan said, “These next couple of days are for everyone who loves the feeling of being wrapped up in a cosy bed. If you had to grab an extra blanket last night, it’s probably going to be needed for the next three nights as well.”

Those “daring enough to leave the comfort of a warm bed” to see the lunar eclipse tonight will have the best chance for a clear view in the South Island and the upper North Island, said Corrigan.