'Super gloomy, dismal' days for some in South

Settled late autumn weather is continuing for much of the country today, but some people in inland Otago might be hoping for a change sometime soon.

A large high-pressure system has brought a run of calm and in some places sunny days, but many areas in Central Otago have been labouring under low cloud and fog for several days.

Alexandra, known for experiencing an inversion layer and hoar frosts over the colder part of the year, has struggled to get above 3degC at any stage since Thursday. 

Residents have taken to social media to vent frustrations, talking about "super gloomy" conditions, and asking if things are better in other parts of the region.

After sitting under cloud all day yesterday, some people in the Teviot Valley were complaining about "one of the most dismal days for years", while those on the surrounding hills spoke of lovely sunny conditions higher up. 

The calm conditions have come with a chill as well. MetService says Queenstown was the coldest "major centre" this morning, on -3degC, but unofficial weather stations have recorded temperatures as low as -7degC in places like Omarama.

MetService says the settled conditions are likely to persist for a couple more days before a change could bring some rain towards the end of the week.