An obvious contrast in temperatures this morning up and down the country, as the upper North island is experiencing temperatures in the mid to upper teens but central and southern areas of the mainland are seeing temperatures near freezing with some showers of rain, hail,sleet and snow in the far south.

The cold air is expected to advance north over much of the country today which will be more reminiscent of mid August than early October in terms of temperatures and overhead conditions.

Warmest:

Whangarei 16

Auckland 16

Kaikohe 16

Tauranga 16

Gisborne 15

Coldest

Blenheim 3

Timaru 3

Hokitika 2

Queenstown 2

Gore 1

Wanaka 1