Today continues to promise some wild weather to parts of the country and although it’s taking its time to kick in it still promises to be certainly be variable.

Currently the conditions are looking pretty grim along much of the West Coast of the South Island with rain coming and going with some heavy downpours in the mix.

Parts of Southland, Otago and South Canterbury are seeing some liquid sunshine however this appears to be the entree to this afternoon’s main event of persistent rain, strong and icy winds plus snow about higher altitudes.

Across the Strait and a smattering of showers are pushing in over some areas of the north and west and Taranaki seems to be the biggest recipient at this point.
A few areas over Northland and the Bay of Plenty are also seeing one or two come and go but this afternoon looks more ominous in regards to rain and wind.

Warnings are in place for both ends of the country with rain, wind and snow being an issue later today.

North Canterbury and Kaikoura can expect rain with heavy falls tonight with up to 150mm possible throughout tonight and tomorrow north of Cheviot

The middle part of the country still seems to be avoiding the firing line but tonight and tomorrow still appears to be on track for some wild weather.

Temperatures are to plummet in the south and east of the Mainland with rain falling on a southerly change but winds will pick up with snow levels falling to moderately low levels inland.

The Far North (Northland and Auckland) are still expected to see high winds with gales in exposed areas and some heavy rain could also setlle in for a time. Later today/evening/overnight looks to be the most obvious time for the most severe conditions.

Monday looks unsettled for almost all of New Zealand under a cold southerly airflow which could persist in some places until Tuesday and Wednesday.

-WeatherWatch