The mercury dipped to -7.2 degrees Celsius at Alexandra Airport yesterday, the coldest for the site so far this season.

MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris confirmed that reading was also colder than last year’s lowest recorded temperature for the site, which was -5.1C on June 16.

He said a “very large area” of high pressure hovered over New Zealand shores last week, prompting the cold air. 

A close-up encounter of a tree covered in frost near Springvale Rd over the weekend.

Spiderwebs wrapped around a road sign take a hit in the cold conditions.

A very realistic word of warning to motorists driving in the icy and foggy conditions.

Looking down from the Blacks Hill lookout, near Omakau, fog can be seen blanketing the valley below.

Powerlines took a hit along State Highway 85.

A clear day in some areas on Monday, provided motorists with a picturesque scene.

“This stagnant air tends to cool and pool in the valleys and basins which leads to the cold, foggy conditions around Central Otago. With little to no wind and a very low sun angle the chance of this fog clearing is very slim so the temperature doesn’t really heat up during the day, which means the following morning is likely to be even colder.”

He said if there is sufficient moisture and cooling then freezing fog can start to form, which accelerates the occurrence of a hoar frost.

Those conditions were experienced across parts of Central at the weekend, including areas between Chatto Creek and Alexandra, while other areas basked in sunshine.

Lewis said the highest temperature for the weekend recorded at the Alexandra Airport weather station was 0.7C on Saturday, while Sunday's high struggled to venture past -0.7C.

However, the mercury had a lot of work to do to get to that point, due to an overnight low on Saturday of -5.1C and -5.9C on Sunday.

There were also unofficial reports of -9C yesterday, including in Omakau.

Cold temperatures also played a part in the lower Manorburn Dam freezing over, prompting people to check it out, including local ice skaters. VIDEO: The Golden family

Tune into The Outlet podcast on Friday to hear more from Lewis about the current weather patterns being experienced across Central. 

Check Roads before you head out - Roading Update from Fulton Hogan:

• CAUTION  Areas out Omakau, Ophir Lane, Poolburn Hill and Ida Valley-Omakau Road have been reported to be very slippery. Crews are out gritting.
• Also raining in the Maniototo area – Please be careful as temperatures may drop further and cause icy roads.

PHOTOS: The Central App

Read more: High pressure brings -6C to parts of Central