Today, Saturday and Sunday will be a weekend of different weather extremes as a large low pressure system drifts in from the Tasman.

From heavy rain and showers in the north and bitterly cold winds in the south to heavy snow across both islands.

While weather conditions may not be perfect for skiers this weekend the heavy snow will be a great kick off to the school holidays with some drier weather on the way next week.   Heavy snow should fall at all of the ski fields at some stage over the next few days.

The main rain band should pass over the North Island during Saturday and Sunday with a few thundery falls possible in the west north of Taranaki. 

In the South Island a cold south easterly along with rain and low cloud will make for miserable weather for many.  Daytime highs will only reach around 6 or 7 with sleet possible to sea level especially at night.  Snow is likely to relatively low levels, perhaps a couple of hundred metres, with heavy snow warnings likely for higher altitudes.

After morning rain or showers many North Island places should see some sun this afternoon, making for a pleasant end to the week along with slightly warmer northerlies developing ahead of tomorrow’s front.

The South Island won’t be as dry – cold easterlies and rain is predicted for much of the day.