Frosts biting earlier than normal, says MetService

Frosts that hit many parts of the country yesterday were more intense than usual for this time of year, the MetService says.

Frosts of 5C were reported at airport weather stations in Nelson, Paraparaumu and Hamilton and also at sites in Levin and Christchurch. A 6C frost was reported from Henderson.

"The frost is biting earlier than normal," MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said. "We had ideal frost making conditions with the combination of very cold southerly winds followed by a calm, clear night."

Further frosts were likely this week.

Niwa, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, says temperatures in the North Island and northern South Island are likely to be average or above, while the rest of the South Island can expect normal temperatures. Rainfall is also expected to be normal or above normal across the country.

Niwa said the tropical Pacific is in a neutral state in respect to El Nino, and should remain that way for the next three months or more. Predicted circulation patterns indicate higher pressures south and east of the South Island, with an easterly or northeasterly flow over the country.

- NZPA