Gales, heavy rain, snow, large waves and a big temperature drop – that’s the forecast for a number of regions in the days ahead as a wintry southerly flow kicks in.

We break down who gets the severe weather, which regions likely miss out, and when this is likely to ease and clear up.

Our forecast also takes a look at the start of next week ahead of Fieldays at Mystery Creek in Waikato.

Extra maps and full details in our extended forecast for New Zealand today.