Frosts are expected in the east of the country on Tuesday morning, including Christchurch. After rough weather caused disruptions on Monday and flooding over the weekend, Tuesday will be calm but cold.
There is a heavy snow watch for Central Otago, with snow expected at altitudes as low as 300 meters. Warnings for snow on roads were issued for Milford Road, Crown Range Road, SH1 from Dunedin to Waitati, and the Desert Road in the North Island. The Desert Road is closed between Rangipo and Waiouru due to snow.
Despite the clearer weather, Waka Kotahi, the transport agency, is advising drivers to be careful. There is a risk of black ice nationwide because of low temperatures. Road crews are applying grit to improve safety, but drivers should stay alert to road conditions.
The MetService forecasts frosts in the east on Tuesday morning. There will be a southwesterly wind bringing showers to the southern tip of the South Island and Taranaki, while many other areas will be clearer. However, the wind will make it feel colder. The lowest temperature recorded on Tuesday morning was -5.6°C at Mount Cook.
