Freezing start across NZ as Mt Cook dips below -9C, winterless north plunges to 0C

New Zealand awoke to a bitterly cold morning, with widespread sub-zero temperatures gripping much of the country. The mercury plunged dramatically, creating frost conditions that felt as cold as -13C in some areas.

Iconic locations felt the chill: Mount Cook, a prominent peak in the Southern Alps, recorded temperatures below -9 degrees Celsius. Even the typically warmer northern regions, often referred to as the "winterless north," experienced a sharp drop, reaching 0C.

MetService meteorologist Katie Lyons attributed the severe frosts to clear skies combined with a frigid Antarctic air mass. These conditions created an ideal environment for temperatures to plummet overnight.

Despite the frigid start, forecasters anticipate a significant shift as the day progresses. Much of the country can expect sunny and dry conditions to prevail throughout the remainder of the day, offering a welcome respite from the morning's icy grip.

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