The strong southwest flow across the country will keep the weather very unsettled today.

Snow is still likely about Southland where several centimetres of snow could accumulate at elevations above 200m.  The snow is expected to taper off this afternoon.

Morning snow is expected to taper off as well in Westland.  Temperatures should warm enough to send the freezing levels above 500m by mid-morning, so some of that precipitation will change to rain before easing…or ending altogether.

The heavy snow threat moves north today.  Heavy snow is possible for the north-western South Island and higher elevations of the central North Island.  Government forecaster MetService says they are watching these areas very carefully for possible warnings.

Strong winds will be an issue again today .  In fact, MetService has issued Strong Wind Warnings for The Catlins and the districts of Clutha and Dunedin.  South-westerly gales are expected to strengthen this evening.  Pockets of severe gusts of 120 km/h are likely.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty can all expect periods of rain today along with gusty winds.

The far eastern regions of both islands are likely to see some dry weather.  However, it will be gusty in these areas as well.

By WeatherWatch Analyst Howard Joseph