Weather: Daytime temperatures set to soar ‘well above’ winter average to end the week

Temperatures are set to climb “well above average” for this time of year in the South Island by Friday.

It comes as a northwesterly flow brings warmer air over the country, boosting daytime temperatures into the high teens as well as reducing the chance of overnight frosts.

MetService said from today, temperatures would climb from around average to well above average by Friday, giving South Islanders a “brief respite” from the cold.

In the far south, temperatures could be about 7C higher than usual for this time of year, with MetService forecasting Invercargill may reach a warm 17C high to cap off the working week.

The forecaster said Dunedin, Christchurch and Blenheim would also reach 17C on Friday.

Plenty of sunshine in South Island places that haven't seen much over the past few weeks🌤️

From tomorrow, temps climb above average for the time of year, possibly reaching 17°C in parts of Southland, Otago and Canterbury on Friday🌡️ pic.twitter.com/pk2yIiU5f6

— MetService (@MetService) July 23, 2024

It comes after multiple South Island cities woke to below-freezing temperatures this morning.

Twizel started the day at -5C, followed closely by Queenstown, Wanaka and Timaru which all plunged to -2C.

MetService meteorologist Dan Corrigan yesterday said widespread frosts were expected in the South Island and sheltered inland parts of the North Island on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Corrigan said Northland, Auckland and Waikato would remain showery until sunshine reappears on Wednesday and clear skies ensue.

Auckland is tipped to reach a high of 16C on Wednesday, although there was a small risk of a gusty thunderstorm before dawn.

Has July felt warmer or cooler than average to you?

Reality is that it's been about average in most regions following a mild June.

Early indications are for a rather cool start to August followed by a moderating trend. pic.twitter.com/VAJ48a6f6W

— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) July 22, 2024

“A showery southwest flow covers the northern North Island on Wednesday morning, with periods of heavy showers affecting Northland and Auckland,” MetService said.

“The risk of thunderstorms may be a little higher about northern and western Northland just after midnight. Small hail is possible, especially if any thunderstorms occur.”

Corrigan said southwesterly winds in places that are more exposed to this direction, such as Auckland, New Plymouth, Wellington and Dunedin, “may make it feel cooler than the temperature suggests”.

Meanwhile, MetService says a rapidly rising southwesterly swell is forecast to affect southern and western coasts of the South Island and west of the North Island on Wednesday.

“These waves will have a long period (time between each wave), meaning they will carry a lot of energy, making for hazardous coastal conditions.”