The rough weather hammering New Zealand on Sunday will turn into chilly weather on Monday in what MetService calls an "unseasonably cold start this week".
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Much of the central New Zealand was exposed to strong winds, late gales and pockets of heavy rain on Sunday. But as these die away, the cold temperatures set in, with warnings some areas could plummet to near-freezing overnight.
"Colder southerlies are spreading over New Zealand today, bringing rain to some areas as well as a noticeable change from the warmer temperatures usually experienced at this time of year," MetService says.
"The southerlies will gradually die out on Monday and Tuesday as a ridge of high pressure moves onto the country.
"However, the combination of dying southerlies and clearing skies should cause the overnight temperatures to plummet in many areas."
NIWA says that temperatures on Monday will feel more like autumn than summer, particularly in eastern areas.
"The lower South Island is likely to be coldest on Monday morning, while Tuesday morning is looking the coldest for the rest of New Zealand," Metervice says.
"Early morning temperatures could get close to zero in some inland parts of both islands!"
Although temperatures are expected to rebound by midweek, it's only a brief respite before another round of chilly air arrives for Thursday and Friday.
Newshub.
