Log burners & heat pumps have been doing overtime across the Waitaki district this week.

The first week of meteorological winter and coldest of the year so far brought subzero overnight temperatures and severe frosts to the Mackenzie Basin area of the Waitaki. Omarama has recorded some impressive overnight low temperatures in the last few days, officially ticking up -9 C this morning.

It's been no picnic on the coast either with the chilly temperatures persisting all week and the cold and sunny conditions are set to continue over the weekend.

MetService forecast graphic: Oamaru

Friday will continue to be fine with light winds but it won’t make it out of single digits, dropping down to near freezing tonight. Saturday may start with some low cloud in the morning, turning to fine breaks in the afternoon with a similar temperature range to Friday.

This weeks run of fine but cold weather continues in the Waitaki. PHOTO: Alex Regtien.

Sunday will see a very slight increase in temperatures and cloud cover, with light northerlies dying out in the evening.

Up the Waitaki Valley, the Mackenzie basin area will be fine all weekend with light winds but there will be areas of fog and frost in the mornings, persisting into the afternoon in sheltered spots.

MetService forecast graphic: Omarama

Temperatures will stay chilly during the day, and drop to well below freezing overnight.

For the latest updated forecasts and real time conditions in your local area, click on the Waitaki towns below, or go to the Weather category, next to News | Sport in The Waitaki App!

Oamaru

Hampden

Palmerston

Macraes

Ngapara

Kurow

Omarama

Lake Ohau Alpine Village