Fireworks night will be frosty

Guy Fawkes night celebrations could be a fizzer for large parts of the country as severe winds, rain and bitter cold are forecast to hit south and central areas today.

The MetService yesterday issued a severe weather warning for wind and rain associated with the passage of a cold front across the South Island.

MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said it was likely to be very windy from this afternoon to early tomorrow.

Strong winds, which would make the air feel very cold, were forecast for Guy Fawkes night over much of the country.