A storm in the Southern Ocean will later this week send up gale force winds, rain and some snow into New Zealand, lasting a number of days as it churns by to our south.

The southerly flow is so large it will affect the south eastern corner of Australia too – following some heavy rain inland around Alice Springs this week.

NZ kicks off warmer than average this week – but ends colder, especially in the South Island. Severe weather is expected late week and this weekend in parts of New Zealand.