Weather: Temperatures plummet 10C as cold snap hits; wind, rain warnings issued for east coast

Temperatures are set to drop 10C in some areas today as a cold snap hits the country. Photo / MetService.

A cold blast from Antarctica has moved over the country causing temperatures to plummet 10C in 24 hours.

MetService meteorologist Alec Holden said the sudden drop in temperature was by a “decent pool of cold air” from the south.

“Nothing like what you see in winter, but definitely knocking a few degrees of what we would expect.”

Masterton’s maximums are expected to drop from yesterday’s 27C to 15C, and Hastings from 29C to 18C.

Wellington temperatures are only expected to climb to 13C today, a 10C drop from the 23C average.

Parts of the country woke to a wintry feel with Queenstown recording a chilly 3C and Christchurch on 9C at 7am.

In contrast to last week's balmy temperatures, the start of this week will be rather cooler.

A few locations will see around a 10°C temperature drop between today and tomorrow. Masterton's maximums plummet from 27°C to 15°C, and Hastings from 29°C to 18°C. pic.twitter.com/KRhBikklAv

— MetService (@MetService) December 16, 2024

Holden said the winds were originally part of a “polar air mass” but the warmer, summer temperatures cooled down the mass as it crossed the ocean.

The southerly winds are not only dropping temperatures but have also prompted warnings from the forecasting agency.

🥶A chilly start to the day for areas in the South Island with temperatures in the low single digits this morning.

Check out some of the observed temperatures at 7am across Aotearoa/New Zealand this morning. pic.twitter.com/sxiUORyV6Q

— MetService (@MetService) December 16, 2024

MetService is reporting a southerly change and a continuously deepening low brings a risk of severe gales to northern Hawkes Bay and eastern Bay of Plenty.

A 28-hour heavy rain watch has been issued for the Wairoa district which is expected to expire at 5am tomorrow.

A strong wind watch has also been issued for Bay of Plenty from from Ōpōtiki southeastward from 3pm.

MetService is warning winds may approach severe gales in exposed places.

What’s on the cards for Christmas Day

Looking ahead to next week, the highly anticipated Christmas forecast is becoming more clear, but unfortunately, the skies are not for many places.

MetService forecaster Alwyn Bakker said westerly winds are expected to bring wet and cloudy weather to the west of the country.

“Which location gets the best of the weather depends on a ridge of high pressure and how strong the system remains over the country.”

Bakker said the weather outlook was highly uncertain, with conflicting model predictions making it difficult to provide reliable long-range forecasts.

“We’ve got some models saying it’s going to be beautiful, and other models saying it’s not going to be beautiful,” Bakker said.

“We just kind of have to hold tight and keep checking as the new [model] runs come in and weed out whichever ones aren’t performing particularly well.”

When could people start putting more faith in the forecast?

“A week out is the outside where I’d start saying, this may well be what’s going to happen, but three days out is where I’d be saying I’m definitely making plans based on this.”

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