A potent Tasman low will swing a front across New Zealand today.  These two features will combine to make for some adverse weather for parts of the country.

Heavy rain and possibly heavy snow will fall on parts of the Mainland today.  The heaviest rain is likely to be found about the western regions, mainly from Nelson south to the Glaciers.  The best chance for heavy rain on the North Island is about Taranaki, but heavy rain is also possible for Waikato and eastern Bay of Plenty/Northern Gisborne.

Snow could be an issue this morning for the higher elevations about Canterbury and Otago.  Heavy snow is expected to stay above 600 metres.  Government forecaster MetService has issued an advisory for heavy snow for the Canterbury High Country including Mackenzie Basin.  Significant snow could briefly fall as low as 400 metres for a time this morning.  Road snow warnings are up for Porters Pass, Arthurs Pass and Lindis Pass.

Wind is also likely to be an issue this morning and this afternoon with severe gales possible about southern Taranaki, inland Wanganui and Taihape.  Winds are expected to be strong about the rest of the western regions of both islands, although severe gales are not expected.

Homepage image/ Jude Wightman

WeatherWatch.co.nz