More unsettled weather is on the way for New Zealand today.

Wind and rain will dominate the weather across the North Island today.  Heavy rain, thunderstorms and hail are all possible today.  The wind and rain should stay below severe limits on a widespread basis.  However, localised bursts of very heavy rain and severe gale force winds are possible across the entire North Island except Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa and Wellington.

For the South Island, some thunderstorms are possible this morning about the north-western and the north-eastern coastal sections.

Snow is also a concern for early today.  The cold south-west flow will send snow levels down below 800 metres in some areas.  Government forecaster MetService has posted Road Snow Warnings effective until 9 am for Lewis Pass, Porters Pass, Milford Road, Lindis Pass and Arthurs Pass.

Otherwise, the South Island can expected bluster and cold conditions today with periods of light rain.

By WeatherWatch Analyst Howard Joseph