Chilly southerly blast brings frosts, snow and single-digit temperatures

A persistent blast of air from the Southern Ocean will keep much of New Zealand cold through the first half of the week, with widespread frosts and a risk of black ice.

Home / New ZealandUpdatedHerald ReportersNZ Herald·16 Aug, 2026 06:12 PM3 mins to read‌A bitterly cold air mass driving up from the south will deliver a frigid and frosty start to the working week. Video / MetServiceSnow has closed the North Island’s Desert Rd as a bitterly cold air mass drives up from the south. The c

MetService said rain is likely for the central and upper North Island - including Auckland - on Sunday.