Strong south to southeasterly winds cover the South Island today then gradually spreading over the North Island later in the day. A strong cold southerly airflow covers New Zealand on Wednesday, easing over the South Island later in the day as a ridge of high pressure starts to push in.

The weather will be full on today as a strong southerly quarter airflow gradually moves northwards during the day. Rain for the South Island (especially the upper half) may be heavy then easing this afternoon, rain becomes heavy for the lower North Island this morning then slowly spreads northwards during the day. A chance of thunderstorms around midday for the upper North Island, and again later in the evening or around midnight.

Expect snow about the mountain ranges of both Islands, down to 300m in the far south, 400m in Canterbury, 500m for Marlborough, overnight snow reaches down to 500m about the Central Plateau and for the ranges of Hawkes Bay.

Rain or showers for most regions on Wednesday however the West Coast of the South Island gets a sunny day. Winds are strong from the south or southwest for many areas, easing from the south this evening. Snow to 400m for eastern South Island regions gradually lifts during the day, flurries to 500m for hills and ranges about the Central Plateau and southwards in the North Island gradually lift during the day also.

Watch out for frost conditions overnight especially about the inner South Island.

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz