New Zealand weather: Cold but calm temperatures forecast to sweep the country

Temperatures are forecast to fall to single digits in some parts of New Zealand as southerly winds sweep away the showery weather.

MetService forecaster Matthew Ford told the Herald the showery weather across the country would gradually ease tonight and tomorrow.

“There are a lot of showers affecting the North Island today but they should start to ease tomorrow and be confined to the eastern and southern areas,” he said.

Back into the chill 🥶

After a warm and wet week for many, wintry air is pushing up the country today 🌬

Watch out for frosty nights and mornings, whether you're looking after the garden or out on the roads🪴 pic.twitter.com/7xcQxzVVII

— MetService (@MetService) July 31, 2025

“In the South Island, there are some showers expected to affect the eastern areas today and tomorrow but they should gradually ease.”

Ford said a high-pressure system would settle across the country and remain dominant until Monday.

“The weather should be very settled ... there should be plenty of clear skies and reasonably widespread frosts.”

Before yesterday's heavy rain event we experienced several days of very quiet weather, and it looks like we're headed back in that direction again

Another large area of high pressure (🔴) will start to arrive on Friday and is likely to stick around until the middle of next week pic.twitter.com/edEprk25ch

— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) July 30, 2025

The forecaster said strong southerly winds would bring some cold temperatures during the next few days.

“Places like Twizel in the Canterbury high country are looking at a minimum of -5C overnight during the weekend,” he said.

According to MetService, Auckland is forecast to reach a high of 15C tomorrow and fall to a low of 7C, Hamilton will reach a high of 14C and fall to a low of 3C and Tauranga is set to reach a high of 15C and a low of 6C.

In the South Island, Nelson will reach a high of 13C and tumble to a low of 3C, Christchurch will fall below single digits when it reaches a high of 9C and a low of 2C and Queenstown is forecast to reach a high of 8C and a low of 0C.

Due to rebounding tsunami activity from South America, the east coast of New Zealand and the Chatham Islands are still under a National Advisory, and are likely to remain so overnight.

Strong and unusual currents on the eastern side of the country may be present until 3.30pm tomorrow.

David Williams is an Auckland-based Multimedia Journalist who joined the Herald in 2023. He covers breaking news and general topics.