NZ over the coldest part of the year

The end of the winter blues may be in sight with the MetService forecasting New Zealand has already endured the coldest part of the year.

MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said each week was bringing higher maximum temperatures throughout the country with some areas expected to sneak into the low twenties over the next few weeks.

Mr McDavitt said this year's winter had been dominated by anticyclones which brought dry conditions marked by warmer days and some frosty mornings.

The forecast however did not mean the automatic start of sunny skies and balmy nights ahead , with Mr McDavitt warning the nights were still longer than the days, with the strong possibility of at least one last winter freeze during August.

"There could still be a sting in the tail of winter with a chance of one or two significant cold snaps and snow dumps," Mr McDavitt said.

- NZPA