A completely unseasonable dumping of snow across the lower North Island yesterday has surprised WeatherWatch.co.nz forecasters with some places receiving snow which would be considered rare even for the middle of winter.

Snow fell just 5 minutes from Palmerston North with temperatures hovering at just 3 degrees for much of the afternoon along with heavy rain. 

Snow settling on the ground at Aokautere, 5 mins from Palmerston North. Image / Jemma Wells.

Snow also fell in Dannevirke, Woodville and around Waipukurau.

Some regions around southern Hawkes Bay/northern Wairarapa spent much of the afternoon around zero degrees.

Heavy rain also caused surface flooding further north in Waikato and Auckland.  The rain was so heavy it cut off satellite services for TV and Radio for a time.

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What did you see yesterday weather-wise where you live?  Post a comment below!