The Far North could see the weather turning a little dirty today with showers possibly holding a rumble of thunder or two about Northland. That seems to stand out from the rest of the country as dry conditions are expected for most other regions with Fiordland possibly seeing some low cloud and misty spells.

Sunshine and some frosts are expected in central and southern parts particularly but some fog or low cloud could also pop up this morning keeping some of the frost at bay in coastal areas.

Coldest temperatures are likely to be in southern inland areas in valleys and basins but the pay off is for a mostly sunny day with not too much wind to speak of.

Winds should be gentle over much of the country today but Northland and Auckland could see relatively breezy conditions for a time.

As we get closer to officially getting winter underway, skifields are continuing to get prepared for the season ahead and cold temperatures are helping the snowmaking machines set the fields up with a decent manmade snow base.

Mt Hutt is scheduled to open in a couple of weeks and the southern field should be the first to open in the country and is often one of the last to close. Last year the season was extended into early November.

Story by R.Green