The frosty nights are over and there's unsettled weather on the way including heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms and even - maybe - tornadoes in the north.
A ridge that has been sitting over New Zealand brought clear skies and plummeting temperatures yesterday, with Upper Hutt dipping to -4.9C onMonday morning - its coldest August temperature in 53 years, according to Niwa.
But while northerly winds are bringing warmer temperatures forecasters say the weather is set to deteriorate with strong wind and heavy rain predicted.
MetService said there was also a possibility of thunderstorms late this afternoon and evening from Auckland north, with small tornadoes possible in Northland tonight. Strong winds were also likely from Auckland north.
Tuesday morning not looking nearly as chilly as Monday morning across NZ 📈
The combination of heavy rain and strong winds at high tide, along with low air pressure could cause some coastal flooding tonight for low-lying areas of Nelson, Buller, and Westland, according to MetService.
A slip in Nelson after torrential rain in December 2011. Parts of Nelson have a heavy rain watch, with MetService saying rain may reach warning levels tonight and coastlines may flood. Photo / File
Heavy rain in Westland and Fiordland could also see streams and rivers rising rapidly, with surface flooding and slips possible.
Nelson, the Buller and Westland ranges, the Otago headwaters and the Canterbury headwaters north of Arthur's pass were also under heavy rain watches throughout today and early morning Wednesday, according to MetService.
Strong winds in Canterbury's high country and Fiordland could damage trees and powerlines, the forecaster warned.
Southern Lakes, Central Otago west of Alexandra, and Southland also had strong wind watches in place.
Weatherwatch said the low would get deeper over Wednesday and Thursday, making for unsettled weather and bringing the possibility of thunderstorms, squalls, heavy rain and snow.
By Friday that low would fall apart and by Saturday conditions would begin to improve for most of New Zealand.
Who noticed an extra chill in the air this morning? 🙋♀️ 🙋♂️
