Sunshine on its way north - eventually

The cold southerly flow that covered much of the country yesterday is expected to give way to sunshine today, apart from Auckland and Northland.

The latest cold snap brought 15cm of snow to inland Canterbury yesterday and snow was expected on the Rimutaka Hill Rd last night, as well as gale-force winds around Wellington. Close to 0C was recorded on the Rimutaka Hill summit by afternoon.

The Desert Rd was expected to get some snow overnight, with up to 8cm forecast, but conditions were set to improve this morning.

A high-pressure system was moving on to the South Island yesterday and is expected to be felt over much of the country tonight. But the anticyclone comes from the sub-Antarctic, bringing light winds and clear nights.

"In August, that is the perfect recipe for moderate to severe frosts," said MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt.

Today and tomorrow were expected to be the frostiest mornings, especially for the South Island and lower North Island. "It may slow the blooming of daffodils in your home garden," Mr McDavitt said.

The sunshine will take its time to reach Auckland and Northland, with unsettled weather lingering today. Showers were forecast, some heavy.

Showers could also linger in Gisborne, Bay of Plenty and northern Hawkes Bay.