Quick Read
- MetService issued a morning weather update for March 2, 2026, detailing a cold snap across New Zealand.
- A southerly flow caused temperatures to drop significantly, with Manapouri recording -0.4C.
- Former Tropical Cyclone Urmil transitioned into an extra-tropical low and poses no threat to New Zealand.
- Fiji and Tonga’s meteorological services maintain warnings for Urmil’s remnants in their regions.
- MetService warns of a potential new tropical cyclone developing in the Coral Sea by Thursday/Friday.
WELLINGTON (Azat TV) – MetService, New Zealand’s national weather authority, continues to provide critical weather forecasts and alerts, ensuring public safety and aiding daily planning as the country navigates a significant cold snap and monitors potential tropical system developments. On Monday, March 2, 2026, MetService issued updates on widespread chilly temperatures across the South and North Islands, while also confirming that former Tropical Cyclone Urmil no longer poses a threat to the nation, even as it keeps a watchful eye on new cyclone formation risks in the Coral Sea.
New Zealand Grapples with March Cold Snap
A distinct cold snap has brought unseasonably low temperatures to much of New Zealand, particularly affecting the South Island and elevated areas of the North Island. MetService meteorologist Dan Corrigan confirmed that a southerly flow originating from the deep southern ocean is responsible for the sudden chill, dragging temperatures into single digits on Monday morning. Parts of the South Island experienced readings below 5 degrees Celsius, with Manapouri recording the country’s coldest temperature at -0.4 degrees Celsius at 7:30 AM.
Corrigan noted the rarity of negative temperatures this early in the year, with other southern locations such as Woodburn Airport, Gore, Alexandra, and Queenstown registering between 2.7C and 3.9C. In the North Island, higher elevations around the Central Plateau saw temperatures drop to approximately 2C, while Wellington reached around 8.1C and Rotorua briefly dipped to 7.4C. Auckland, though initially unbothered at 16.5C, was forecast to drop to 10C overnight, nearly 6C below its average for early March. MetService warned that overnight temperatures across the North Island would be 4C to 8C below average for this period.
However, the cold snap is expected to be short-lived. MetService forecasts indicate a gradual warming trend, with the bottom of the South Island beginning to recover on Tuesday, and Queenstown potentially reaching a high of 20C. Temperatures for the North Island are anticipated to return to normal by Wednesday, with a ‘much more summery’ feel expected by Thursday, according to Corrigan. Showers are expected to clear in Northland and parts of Auckland, while Wellington, Gisborne, and Wairarapa may experience heavy showers and potential thunderstorms along the coast until Monday afternoon.
Monitoring Tropical Systems and Regional Impacts
Beyond the domestic cold snap, MetService has been actively monitoring tropical weather systems in the wider Pacific region. The service confirmed that former Tropical Cyclone Urmil transitioned into an extra-tropical low around midnight on Sunday night, March 1, 2026. This system is now expected to lie to the east of Aotearoa and continue moving southeast as an extra-tropical system, posing no direct impact to New Zealand, as reported by RNZ.
While New Zealand remains clear of Urmil’s immediate effects, the Fiji Metservice and Tonga’s meteorological service have continued to issue warnings for their respective island groups. Fiji experienced flooding and power outages over the weekend, with associated rainbands and occasional heavy rain still expected, leading to heavy rain warnings and flash flood alerts for various divisions. Schools in Fiji remained closed on Monday. Tonga also maintained warnings for heavy rains, flash floods, and strong to gale-force winds throughout the kingdom.
Looking ahead, New Zealand’s MetService has also highlighted a risk of a new tropical cyclone developing in the Coral Sea during Thursday and Friday of the current week, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance in a region prone to dynamic weather patterns.
MetService’s Ongoing Commitment to Public Safety
MetService’s continuous provision of accurate, timely weather information and alerts is fundamental to public safety and preparedness across New Zealand. From daily morning updates, as seen on NZ Herald, to specific severe weather warnings and long-range climate trend monitoring, the organization plays a vital role in informing residents, businesses, and emergency services. Its detailed forecasts cover everything from temperature, wind, and rainfall to practical advice like laundry drying times, reflecting a comprehensive approach to weather communication. The ability to track rainfall patterns via real-time radar maps further empowers the public to stay informed and make crucial decisions, particularly during periods of volatile weather.
MetService’s consistent and detailed meteorological reporting, encompassing both immediate weather events like cold snaps and the broader regional monitoring of tropical systems, solidifies its indispensable role in enhancing New Zealand’s resilience against diverse and often challenging climatic conditions.