Think it’s a cold morning this morning? Well you’re right!

WeatherWatch.co.nz reports parts of Auckland dropped to just 6 degrees last hour – the same temperature as Waiouru near Mt Ruapehu.

Hamilton was on 4, while the South Island was even colder with Blenheim, Christchurch and Oamaru on 3, Timaru on 2 and Queenstown on 1.

Light frosts were likely across northern Southland, central Otago and inland Canterbury and Marlborough.

Meanwhile Wellington and Wanganui are the two warmest places this morning on 13 and 14 respectively.

A solid anticyclone in the Tasman Sea is helping with the cold starts – mainly clear skies and lights allow the mercury to fall – however the warmer days are ensuring we’re slowly easing into Autumn this week following several up and down weeks.

From tropical rainstorms in the north to polar blasts in the south today, tomorrow and Thursday sees a much welcomed change for many with settled weather expected almost everywhere.

Forecasters at WeatherWatch.co.nz say while the nights will be cool the days will be warm to hot under clear skies and light winds.

The South Island may take another day or two to catch up but warmer weather is on the way with overnight lows lifting a little too – especially as a late week nor’wester arrives possibly lifting temperatures into the mid 20s by Friday or Saturday in the east.

Sunny skies are expected to prevail in most main centres for the entire week.  Wellington may see a few clouds today, but clearing with strong winds and clouds moving in on Friday.

The weekend may be more changeable however – so check back for updates later in the week on where our next rain band will be travelling.  Strong winds are also in the picture for Friday and the weekend in places south of Wairarapa.