Freezing Weather: Train Suspensions in Wellington
- ☀️Clear skies and freeeeezzzing temperatures continue across the country, but cloud looms to the west.
- This Infrared Satellite ️ image shows most of the country is still in the clear this morning, however, thin wispy high cloud is sitting over parts of Northland,...
# Freezing Temperatures and Icy Roads Grip New Zealand: Disruptions Across the Contry
New Zealand is experiencing a meaningful cold snap,with freezing temperatures and icy conditions causing widespread disruptions across both the North and South Islands. From transport chaos in Wellington to hazardous driving in the Bay of Plenty and stark temperature contrasts on the south Island, the country is grappling with the winter weather.
## wellington’s Train Services Crippled by Ice
Wellington’s public transport network has been severely impacted by the freezing temperatures. Metlink reported “significant disruptions” to the capital’s train services,with icy conditions preventing trains from drawing power from the overhead lines.
The Kāpiti line services were suspended entirely, while the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa lines experienced disruptions and delays. Metlink is working to provide bus replacements where possible, but has warned passengers of limited capacity on these services. The transport authority anticipates a return to normal services once temperatures rise.
## Hazardous Driving Conditions in Bay of plenty
The Bay of Plenty region is also facing treacherous driving conditions due to ice. Police are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution, particularly in Atiamuri where a serious crash has critically injured one person and partially closed State highway 30.”There have been a number of crashes across the region already this morning with ice creating hazardous driving conditions,” police stated. They are reminding motorists to “slow down, watch your following distance, and use your headlights.”
## South Island Braces for Hazardous Conditions
Many parts of the South island are expected to endure hazardous driving conditions over the coming days. Police have confirmed that black ice has already formed in some areas, making road surfaces particularly dangerous, especially in shaded spots and on bridges.
### Stark Temperature Contrast: Invercargill Freezes While Rakiura Warms
A striking temperature anomaly has been observed between Invercargill and nearby Rakiura Stewart Island. While Invercargill shivered at -1 degree Celsius on Friday morning, Rakiura, located less than 30km across Foveaux Strait, recorded double-digit temperatures.
MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden explained this phenomenon as “low level inversion,” where warmer temperatures are found at higher elevations. He noted that cool, heavy air tends to pool in low-lying areas like Invercargill during the night. in contrast, Rakiura’s more exposed nature, coupled with a band of insulating cloud and windier conditions mixing air from different altitudes, contributes to its milder climate.
☀️Clear skies and freeeeezzzing temperatures continue across the country, but cloud looms to the west.
This Infrared Satellite ️ image shows most of the country is still in the clear this morning, however, thin wispy high cloud is sitting over parts of Northland, as well… pic.twitter.com/R1gUFyD2WP
– MetService (@MetService) July 24, 2025