In this special severe weather update we cover the severe gales, heavy rain and alpine snow coming for New Zealand over the next few days.

There are two main windy surges: Today (Tuesday) and Thursday – although windy weather will still linger for Wednesday and Friday in some locations.

Rain will be heaviest on the West Coast with over 400mm possible in some areas over the coming week.

Subtropical and Australian nor’westers will also boost temperatures in NZ into the mid to upper 20s, while the lower South Island still has polar wintry air coming in at times – mostly later in the week.

Keep up to date with official warnings and watches from MetService.