Skies continue to look bleak tomorrow and Wednesday over much of the country so make the most of the sunshine that’s expected to be about today.

Apart from the odd shower dotted about Auckland and Waikato and eastern areas of the North Island early this morning much of the nation should see some sunshine at some point if not for much of the day.

A cool start is underway for many areas but temperatures should rise to near normal levels if not a fraction higher by early afternoon.

Tomorrow, bitterly cold conditions are expected to hit much of the South Island with snow falling to very low levels in the east and south with some build ups of possibly of up to 15-20cm about the Canterbury foothills with the odd flurry possible down to near sea level about the coast.

Temperatures are set to nose dive rapidly tomorrow as the cold air pushes in from the south and mid-single figure highs are likely for many places exposed to the southerly outbreak.

The North Island should see rain develop over many areas tomorrow but lighter falls in eastern areas are expected.