Sub-zero temperatures kicked off the weekend for parts of the country, but clearer skies and finer temperatures are on the way.
A low of -3°C was recorded in both Taupō and Timaru this Saturday morning at around 7am, according to MetService.
Frosty conditions persisted as Masterton, Christchurch, and Ashburton recorded a chilly -2°C, while Wanaka dipped to -1°C.
Invercargill and Dunedin recorded the highest temperatures this morning, clocking 9°C at around 7am.
MetService said frosts would linger for many throughout the day and again overnight, particularly in inland and southland regions.
The North Island’s upper half — from Northland and Auckland down to Waitomo — was expected to stay fine throughout Saturday. The Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, and central high country were also forecast to remain clear, although some cloud was tipped to move in from the west by evening.
Through Taranaki to Kāpiti, locals were told to expect patchy cloud, with a chance of morning frosts and a few light isolated afternoon showers.
Further south, Wellington, Wairarapa and Marlborough could expect cloudy periods about Wairarapa and the Kaikoura Coast this afternoon, with isolated showers expected to develop in the evening.
Nelson and Buller to Westland were looking fine with some early morning frosts and cloudy periods.
A frosty start was expected from Canterbury to central and north Otago, followed by a fine day. MetService said clouds and isolated showers could be expected for the evening.
Scattered showers were expected to clear this evening for Southland, Fiordland and the remainder of Otago. The Chatham Islands could expect cloudy periods with several showers.
Looking ahead to Sunday, the North Island is expected to be partly cloudy, with isolated showers for eastern areas, Northland, and Wellington.
The South Island should remain mostly fine, with the exception of a few showers in northern Canterbury and Marlborough, MetService said.