Sunny skies prevailed over much of the country today and although we’re 6 weeks on the other side of the shortest day, temperatures were well below par for most places.

The far north felt a cool pinch first thing this morning and even though 15 degrees in Kaitaia topped the national stakes, the air certainly felt cool on the skin.

Next best was 14 degrees in New Plymouth and 13 in Napier however single figure highs were predominant around much of the south and east of the mainland, despite  the abundance of sunshine.

The blame mainly lands on the cold southerly that roared up eastern New Zealand on Friday and yesterday and although the showers and wind have basically gone, the pool of very cold air has remained under clear skies.

Tonight, frosty conditions look likely to remain for the 2nd consecutive night but cloud rolls into parts of the north and west of the nation tomorrow with some showers moving in.This should be just the appetiser, ahead of a damp Tuesday over most the country.

For the record, Kaitaia was the nations hot spot today and Waiouru lagged behind the main bunch, mustering just a maximum of 4 degrees.

With the arrival of the next depression over the next day or two, temperatures may just rise a fraction, particularly in northern regions and the frosts should leave our shores.