A cold south to southwesterly airflow lies over New Zealand today, wintry showers for many regions in the east with low level snow flurries. A few showers for some western parts of the North Island also.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato & Bay Of Plenty

Areas of cloud for Northland and Auckland with the odd shower at times and some small hail possible now and then. Sunny areas and some cloud elsewhere. Gusty south to southwesterly winds.

Highs: 8-11

Western North Island (including Central North Island)

Mostly sunny with gusty cold south to southeasterly winds. About southern Taranaki southwards in the west cloud will be more frequent with the odd wintry shower possible, a chance of sleet is not out of the question and low level snow flurries possible too.

Highs: 6-9

Eastern North Island

Mostly cloudy with very coastal wintry showers and low level snow flurries then progressively pushing a little further inland as the day goes on. A few near sea level snow flurries are not out of the question but snow settling at sea level will be hard pressed to happen. Winds gusty from the southwest perhaps tending a little more southerly later.

Highs: 6-8

Wellington

Wintry showers, low level snow flurries at times also then easing up in the afternoon. Cold gusty southerly winds.

High: 6-7

Marlborough & Nelson

Areas of cloud and the odd wintry shower possible, chance of a low level snow flurry. About southern Marlborough (south of the Wairau Valley) shower activity is more likely with snow flurries to low levels for much of the day. Very cold southerly winds gusty on the coast.

Highs: 7-8

Canterbury

Cloudy with wintry showers, low level snow flurries. Winds cold from the south. Shower activity near the coast may ease up a little in the afternoon.

Highs: 5-7

West Coast

Sunny with southeasterly winds, a cold start especially inland.

Highs: 8-9

Southland & Otago

Mostly cloudy with the odd shower, a few snow flurries to low levels however accumulations will be fairly minor. Shower activity mostly clearing by evening although coastal Otago may see a few showers continue overnight. Cold southerly winds. Very frosty overnight especially inland and where cloud clears.

Highs: 6-8

By Weather Analyst Aaron Wilkinson – WeatherWatch.co.nz