Feel cold? Here's why

Temperatures during July in Northland were the coldest in 40 years.

Northlanders who thought July was a bit nippier than usual were bang on, with some areas recording their coldest day in more than 40 years.

On July 10, Kaitaia recorded a high of 9.6C, while Cape Reinga was only slightly warmer at 10.8C - both the coldest since records started in 1971.

The monthly climate summary by Niwa explained how on July 9 a high pressure system established itself over the country, with the impacts felt for six days.

"A very cold southerly airflow preceding the high pressure system contributed to numerous locations observing record or near-record low daily maximum and minimum temperatures for July."

The first day of the high pressure system saw Dargaville record a high of 9.4C, the second coldest since 1951.

Fast forward three days and Kerikeri recorded a low of -0.7C, the coldest ever recorded since records started in 1981.

The same day, Kaitaia reached a low of 0.4C, the second coldest in 67 years.

The latest information from Niwa shows the period August-September is likely to bring near or below average temperatures, normal or above normal amounts of rainfall and below average soil moisture and river flow.