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Source: ONE News -
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While many New Zealanders have been basking in summer sunshine, Wellingtonians have been experiencing unseasonably cold weather.
Many have had to pull out the scarves and jackets as temperatures plunged to single digits and they are "absolutely, positively" over their weather.
Visitors to the capital have been forced to trade bikinis for bundling up and lifeguard Jim Warwick has been patrolling an empty beach at Oriental Parade. But like many locals he is eternally optimistic.
"That's with Wellington, you get four seasons in a day so in a couple of hours it could be sunny, sort of 21 degrees, who knows," says Warwick.
The weather packed in on Friday night meaning the stadium did not pack out for the Phoenix football game. But the players had no choice and North Queensland, who are used to training in 40 degree heat, had to play in six degrees.
On Saturday the weather was causing more problems with flooded streets. And it does not just look miserable, it feels miserable with cold temperatures and strong wind chill.
MetService is recommending several layers of clothing if people venture outdoors. It issued severe weather warnings for Wellington, Wairarapa and the Hawke's Bay north of Napier on Saturday morning. High rainfall forced the closure of Paekakariki Hill Rd north of Wellington in the afternoon with a slip and large trees blocking both lanes.
Earlier in the day the Desert Road was closed because of slippery conditions.
Conditions are expected to ease on Sunday.
For more information on weather in your area, go to our weather page
