It’s a windy and cooler day for many places today before tomorrow’s storm sets in but any severe weather today looks fairly limited.

Westerlies will blow across NZ with rain on the West Coast and, yes, even a few snow flurries on the tops of the Southern Alps. Rain will be heavy at times on the Coast.

Gales gusting over 100km/h are possible around exposed parts of Central NZ (upper SI, lower NI). These won’t be too problematic – of course unless you’re in a tent. Then you may want to be prepared. Tomorrow will be even windier.

Elsewhere it’s drier but most places will be cooler than usual today – although northern NZ is still around average to slightly above average temperature-wise.

We’re going to have another update before noon today with extensive maps and details on the incoming storm which will bring severe weather into both islands for a day or two, starting Tuesday. Philip Duncan will also have his weather video out by noon today with a complete break down of what to expect out of this mid-summer winter storm.

As aways, refer to your LOCAL and HOURLY forecasts to work out your weather timing and intensity. You may also find www.RuralWeather.co.nz extra helpful this week too, with clearer graphs showing wind, rain, also barometric pressure etc.