Skies are clearing across a number of centres but it remains gloomy from Waikato northwards and temperatures have actually dropped a couple of degrees in Northland from earlier this morning.

Sunny spells are expected to develop across northern NZ this afternoon.

It remains a cold day right across the nation thanks to a southerly flow.  Gusty winds are expected to ease over the next 12 to 24 hours – frosts are possible in some areas tonight, especially in the South Island and lower North Island.

A band of patchy showers remain over the Coromandel Peninsula and eastern Northland but are starting to dry out – they should clear this afternoon.

Extremes

The coldest centres are Gore, Lumsden and Waiouru – on just 6 degrees.

The warmest areas are Haast and Cape Reinga both on 16.  Most other places are in the low double digits. 

The wettest region is Coromandel Peninsula, with showers.  Northland also is showery in the east.

The windiest place is Hicks Bay in East Cape with average winds of 61km/h gusting 91km/h.

The calmest spots are Dunedin and Queenstown with just a 2km/h southerly.

Main Centres

• Auckland, Hamilton – Overcast, Fresh south easterly and 14 degrees. 
• Wellington – Sunny and cloudy periods, gusty south easterly and 12 degrees.
• Christchurch – Few clouds, breezy nor’easter and 10 degrees.
• Dunedin – Sunny, Light winds, 7 degrees.