Central North Island regions dipped below freezing overnight as a wintry spell brings clear, cold conditions to most of the country.

Rangitaiki was the coldest recording -5.8C while Taupō dropped to -4.1C, Galatea -3.6C, Rotorua -3.2C, Desert Rd -2.5C and Kawerau -0.3C, according to MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane.

Whakatāne hit 0.1C and Tauranga 0.6C.

Makgabutlane says as a low-pressure system moved further away from New Zealand, some places will see early morning frost and fog before clearer skies.

“Inland we are expecting those temperatures to be in the negatives so definitely rug up for Thursday morning,” says Makgabutlane.

A ridge of high pressure will start to build throughout Thursday, bringing more settled conditions, however, MetService says showers will persist throughout the day in eastern and lower parts of both islands.

The forecast for Bay of Plenty and Taupō over the next five days is for fine weather but chilly temperatures.

Rotorua will hit a high of 11C today and tomorrow and 12C on Saturday while Tauranga should see slightly warmer temperatures.

Taupō will only reach 9C today, 10C Friday and 11C over the weekend.

Over the rest of winter and beyond, forecaster Niwa’s three-month outlook has picked near or above-average temperatures in all regions – with fewer winter cold snaps and frosts than normal.

-Rotorua Daily Post.