Autumn chills to follow mild weekend

It’s a mild weekend across the country with temperatures sitting in the late teens and twenties, but cold creeping in early next week will bring an autumnal feel with it.

After a week of above-average temperatures following Easter, two cold fronts will bring them back down to what’s expected at this time of year.

Tauranga, Gisborne and Napier may reach 25C today, with 23C in Auckland, Whangarei and Hamilton.

Metservice meteorologist Claire Flynn said a cold front would reach the lower part of the North Island today, but its strength would have weakened by the time it moved from the South Island.

“It’s likely to bring some showers spreading north throughout the day. Ahead of the front it won’t be too bad.

“For the likes of Auckland you’ll probably have fine breaks throughout the day and showers in the evening, so not a bad day.”

Tomorrow North Islanders can expect mostly fine weather with the odd shower left lingering. Temperatures will be in the early teens to early twenties.

“The temperature was above average this week for a few spots, but this cold front is bumping it back to average.”

Late tomorrow is when Kiwis may start feeling the cold as another front moves up the country. Auckland is looking at 15C overnight. Northerlies will also develop in Wellington tomorrow and temperatures will sit around 12C in the evening.

On Monday much of the South Island will be 4 to 8 degrees cooler than usual. Tuesday looks chilly, as Auckland drops to 11C overnight, Wellington to 8C and Christchurch to 6C.