If you have found yourself reaching for that extra blanket the last couple of nights you're not the only one.

MetService meteorologists tracked a cold front as it swept up the country early this week, followed by strong southerlies, leaving cold air in its wake and plenty of clear skies leading to plummeting overnight temperatures.

'Yesterday morning had been the coldest of the year so far, with single digit temperatures right across the country, and even some negative temperatures in the south,” says MetService meteorologist Jessie Owen.

The coldest temperatures recorded in the North Island on Thursday morning were: 1.8°C in Galatea, 2.8°C in Rotorua, 3.2°C in Waiouru, 3.4°C in Whakatane, and 3.6°C in New Plymouth.

In the South Island things were even chillier with many places dipping below zero; -4.1°C in Manapouri, -3.9°C in Tekapo, -3.4°C in Twizel, -1.7°C in Alexandra, and -0.3°C in St Arnaud.

Looking towards the weekend, a trough over the Tasman Sea is expected to move eastwards towards New Zealand.

This will bring wetter and milder weather to the country as cold southerlies are replaced by warmer northerlies.

A period of rain is expected on Saturday with this fast-moving trough and western regions could see some briefly heavy falls.

Heavy rain watches are in place for Golden Bay and the eastern ranges of Nelson.

Temperatures are expected to bounce back up to average for this time of year as the colder air is flushed out.

On Sunday, after the trough has moved across the country, showery conditions are expected for most before a ridge of high pressure takes over early next week marking a return to settled weather.

Image: MetService.