All the thunderstorms have now cleared the North Island however the attention is now shifting to the lower South Island, reports WeatherWatch.co.nz. 

Rain is expected to turn to snow late on Saturday and into Saturday night about Southland and Otago with snow expected in Queenstown, Wanaka, Cromwell and possibly Alexandra.

On Sunday morning snow is expected to just 200 metres, predicts WeatherWatch.co.nz, with sleet in Dunedin and possibly a few snow flakes in the city’s higher altitude suburbs.

Sleet is expected in Christchurch on Sunday with snow to low levels in Canterbury.  Snow warnings are not currently expected.

On Sunday evening sleet may again fall in Wellington with snow on the Rimutaka Ranges.  Snow, possibly heavy enough to spark snow warnings, is also likely for the Desert Road on Sunday through to Monday.  Snow flurries may also affect the Napier Taupo highway on Sunday night.

Snow is predicted on Mt Taranaki to low levels, possibly a few hundred metres, on Sunday night.

In addition, thunderstorms, hail and the risk of isolated tornados and waterspouts is in the forecast for Auckland and other western regions of the North Island tomorrow.  More details from 5am, Saturday.