Warmer winds will give way to colder air this week as a large low moves in with severe weather risks to both main islands in the form of some wind, rain, thunderstorms and maybe some snow around the southern Alpine Passes.

By Friday and going into King’s Birthday Weekend New Zealand will be mainly caught up in a classic Autumn-like sou-wester, bringing showers to the west and south, but mainly dry for those in the east. Winds may be a little brisk this long weekend.

We break down the severe weather risks this week – and the likely weather outlook for the long weekend coming up.

We have your NZ forecast through to King’s Birthday Monday.

p.s  It’s good to be back on screen! Thank you for all your support this month.