Another cold snap is moving up the country over the next day or so but ahead of it is a warmer and windier air flow.

Nor’westers will again rise to gale force in exposed places from Wellington southwards during Wednesday PM.  Daytime highs will jump compared to recent highs too.  Southland and Otago will climb into the mid-teens, a jump of almost 10 degrees for some centres compared to the start of the week.

North of Wellington high pressure will remain in place meaning morning frosts and light winds for many districts – but again Wellington and Wairarapa will be affected by potential gales as the day goes on and the north to north west winds build up.

The warm windy nor’wester preceeds another cold snap which arrives overnight Wednesday and into Thursday morning for the South Island, and into the North Island over Thursday and early Friday.  It will weaken significantly by the time it reaches the top half of the North Island.

While snow is predicted to low levels for a time there isn’t as much moisture, energy or cold air with this wintry change as the one on Sunday/Monday.

However there is a fairly high chance of wind and rain warnings, and South Island and lower North Island residents are advised to keep up to date with the latest MetService warnings and watches.

By the weekend a high is expected to move in from the Tasman Sea, bringing a mostly settled start to winter – which officially kicks off on Sunday.

Homepage image / File, Cook Strait in a storm / Sam Hall

– WeatherWatch.co.nz