High pressure lies south of NZ today and that placement encourages a colder south-east wind into the North Island bringing areas of rain and showers to the east. Some of these showers also affect the eastern side of the South Island, although drier weather is moving in there.

This week high pressure moves over the country bringing lighter winds, clearer skies and colder nights – increasing the chances of frosts over the country.

But a warmer nor’wester kicks in this Friday and Saturday and may reach severe gale in some locations, along with heavy West Coast rain which will spillover a little into the east and will brush parts of the lower North Island from Mt Taranaki to Horowhenua/Wellington.

A wintry change moves up the South Island on Sunday turning rain to snow in the mountains and ranges.

More unsettled wintry weather is forecast next week – we’ll have more details in tomorrow’s video.