A storm is approaching the South Island today and will unravel over NZ bringing a windy, wintry weekend and start to next week.

Snow, hail, thunderstorms, heavy rain, severe gales, sleet and bitterly low temperatures are all in the forecast – but if you live in the east or north east there may also be plenty of sun and dry weather.

Friday marks the start of this windier surge with peak winds likely between now and dawn Saturday. 

Sunday marks the start of the coldest air with peak cold likely on Sunday and Monday nationwide. The Bay of Islands, eastern Coromandel Peninsula and Gisborne look to be the more settled of the regions this weekend.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz