Photo: 123RF
Temperatures dipped in many parts of the country on Friday with chilly weather set to continue.
"If you found yourself pulling on extra layers this morning, it's no wonder! It was the coldest morning of the year so far for several spots around the country," MetService says in an X post.
Auckland started the day on 3 degrees Celsius while in Wellington it was 2, Christchurch minus 1 and Queenstown had minus 4.
A chilly start on Friday was a forerunner of what's to come, MetService said.
Calm and frosty conditions will dominate well into next week, punctuated by brief showers as a weather system sweeps up the country today and tomorrow.
"Although sunny skies will bring some warmth during the day, the chilly southwesterly wind means daytime temperatures will remain noticeably cool, even in normally temperate places like Northland," MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said.
Looking ahead to the weekend, there will be showers in the west and north easing off later in the day in the North Island on Saturday.
Both Auckland and Wellington can expect a few showers in the afternoon and a fine day on Sunday.
In the South Island, showers becoming widespread for a time early, then clear to fine between Otago and Nelson Lakes later.
It will be mainly fine for everyone in the North Island on Sunday, although those in Manawatū can expect a wet day.
There's more showers for southern parts of the South Island too, plus Buller on the West Coast. Gale southwesters are possible for coastal areas of Southland, Otago and Stewart Island. It's mainly fine for everyone else.
The new week will see the country come under the influence of a ridge of high pressure that is expected to stick around for a few days.
"This means mostly settled and bright weather ahead, great timing for school holidays," Makgabutlane said.
Niwa agrees, saying the system will result in "a lack of wind, chilly mornings & plentiful sunshine".