Cold and wet conditions are expected across two thirds of the mainland by the end of the day and thunderstorms and hail may rattle a few areas as well.

Snow is a possibility down to about the 6-700 metre mark in the far south and temperatures are expected to plunge into single figures.

Queenstown, Wanaka and Gore had a band of heavy showers move through early this morning

It appears that it will affect both sides of the South Island and a southerly will pick up strength with the expected change in the east.

Tonight is looking very cool in central and southern parts of the country as the mass of cold air heads north.

Rain or showers are anticipated over much of the west and north of the North Island today but not all areas in this part of the country are expecting a high amount of precipitation.