A large high to the southwest of New Zealand and a low to the east direct a cold south to southeasterly airflow into the South Island today, especially the lower South Island. Meanwhile the rest of the country has a mix of weather due to lighter shiftier winds. A large low pressure system brings unsettled weather to most of New Zealand on Tuesday.

Most North Island regions see showers at times today, plenty of dry spells also. Early showers clear the upper South Island then some sun breaks though. During the afternoon showers ramp up, heavy with thunderstorms and hail especially about inland areas then easing later in the evening. For the lower South Island in the east, expect rain for much of the day. Heavy falls at times with hail and possibly some thunderstorms, any thunderstorm will start to ease from the south afternoon onwards. Heavy snow is possible above 500m for the east of the South Island.

Dry in the morning for many North Island regions on Tuesday then showers develop in the afternoon, some becoming heavy with thunderstorms and hail then easing later in the evening. Winds mostly light tending onshore in the afternoon. A dry morning north of Banks Peninsula in the South Island, showers then develop in the afternoon (some may be heavy) before easing later in the evening. Areas of rain south of Banks Peninsula in the east with heavy falls possible at times especially about eastern Otago. Snow to 500m about the lower South Island lifts during the day.

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz