A number of centres in the east and south of the South Island this afternoon are as low as 10 or 11 degrees as a result of a cold southerly rainband heading north up the mainland.

Christchurch is seeing rain starting to settle in after it has been threatening for much of the day.

One report to weatherwatch.co.nz said just 5mm of rain fell in Invercargill before a clearance late morning which revealed some sunshine although still rather cold.

Tomorrow temperatures are likely to remain very cool over much of south but showers drying up in the east before further activity on Wednesday