Weather: Chilly start to summer

Temperatures as low as 2C overnight hailed a chilly start to summer, and sun-lovers are being warned to keep their jumpers close to hand for a little while longer as the mixed-bag of weather continues in to December.

It certainly didn't feel like the first day of summer for many as they woke up this morning, with temperatures as low as 2C in Alexandra overnight, and remaining low in much of the South Island throughout today.

Temperatures in the high teens, accompanied by showers, have seen Aucklanders reaching for the umbrellas once again.

A spell of pleasant weather will come as a reprieve this week - but it will be short-lived.

"It's the first day of December and we've actually seen some pretty cold temperatures. We've had a fair number of showers and thunderstorms sparking off today as well," MetService meteorologist John Law said.

"The good news is, high pressure is set to build across from the west as we head in towards Tuesday and Wednesday, which is going to bring with it much more settled conditions."

The clearer skies could lead to a chilly start tomorrow morning, particularly on the Desert Rd, Taupo and Rotorua, and in parts of the Wairarapa and Marlborough, with the possibility of frost.

"We get a nice fine day tomorrow, and those temperatures do pick up in the sunshine, so it's a bit chilly first thing, but tomorrow weather-wise it looks pretty good, as does most of Wednesday," Mr Law said.

"Keep an eye on the forecast though, because I think we are going to find those winds picking back up again on Thursday, but also we'll see the temperatures picking back up as well."

Mr Law blamed a "fair number of south-westerlies" for blowing cold air across the country over recent days, and said the cooler than normal temperatures look set to continue for the first half of December, with things gradually picking up towards the end of the month.

"The trend is hopefully good, but keep an eye on the forecast for those all important Christmas holidays," he said.

A MetService monthly outlook issued earlier today forecast a good end to December.

"The signal for highs over the country is particularly strong in the second half of the month," meteorologist Georgina Griffiths said, forecasting a drier than usual December for most regions.

"After a very stormy and cool November, many people will be looking forward to some enjoyable BBQ weather. But after four months of low rainfall in the north and east of the South Island, farmers in those regions will instead be asking Santa for some decent rain."

MetService figures showed an "extremely dry spring" for the northeast South Island, following a very dry August there, Ms Griffiths said.

Nelson and Blenheim experienced their fourth driest spring since records began in 1941.