This week is off to a cold start, with showers and snow flurries as a southerly flow has spread across the country – but a large high pressure system looms to start to settle things down into the week.

Tuesday

White: Snow flurries and frosts for the inland South Island and lower North Island

Snow could reach as far down as 500m in some parts of the lower South Island, rising higher further north – and while heavy snowfall is unlikely, some areas in the east of the South Island may see some small hail here and there.

Wednesday

Light blue: Frosts and cold conditions in the inland and lower South Island

Dark blue: A rain band passes over the upper North Island – which may affect Northland and Auckland at times through the day

Thursday

Dark blue: Spells of heavy rain possible in the upper North Island again – as the same rain band passes over the country

Light blue: Frosts and cold conditions in the interior of the South Island and lower North Island

Lingering effects of the frontal system may bring patches of heavy rain to the northern North Island during the morning on Thursday – but it may not stick around for long.

– Please note, the idea behind this update is to focus on the main weather highlights, which is why not all regions are mentioned. 
For specific 10 day information for your city, town, rural community or island please see the 1000 forecasts on our homepage!

– Aaron Wilkinson & Drew Chappell, WeatherWatch.co.nz