Just when you thought winter was melting away, Spring reminds us it’s a gradual fade away. This week, especially Tuesday and Wednesday, a wintry change will spread northwards with snow into Southland and heavy snow in the mountains.

A dusting of snow in the North Island’s ranges and Central Plateau too.

Heavy West Coast rain is also expected.

Gales will also surge northwards on Tuesday with 100km/h gusts in Auckland, then late week 150km/h gusts possible in some exposed ranges of the lower North Island / Upper South Island.