Scraping windscreens has become part of the morning routine for many Bay of Plenty residents as the region endures a run of frosty starts.

Forecasters predict some inland areas will dip to a frigid -5C before warmer, wetter weather arrives this weekend.

In its latest weather update, MetService said Thursday delivered the coldest morning of 2026 so far, with Auckland recording its lowest temperatures since 2021 and Mount Cook Aerodrome reaching a bitterly cold -10.1C.

The frosty conditions have been felt across the Bay, with motorists urged to take extra care on early morning journeys.

Ice can form on roads, particularly in shaded areas and on bridges, creating hazardous driving conditions.

Despite the cold start, clear skies and light winds were expected to bring fine weather across much of the region through Friday.

However, the wintry blast was not expected to last.

A weather system moving across the Tasman Sea will bring a significant change over the weekend, with rain expected to spread north across the country. Most of the North Island, including Bay of Plenty, is forecast to experience wet weather on Sunday.

The arrival of cloud and rain will also bring milder overnight temperatures, ending the run of frosts for many North Island communities.

MetService meteorologist Braydon White said the shift would mark a return to warmer conditions after several days of intense cold.

As the new week begins, high pressure is expected to bring a brief period of settled weather on Monday before another round of wetter conditions arrives from Tuesday.