Stormy weather is expected across many parts of NZ this weekend thanks to deep air pressure in the Southern Ocean.

South to south west winds will blast exposed regions this weekend and into the start of next week, with snow flurries to sea level in Southland and Otago (or close to it) and snow across the Central Plateau as well. Australia is brushed by this set-up in the south-eastern corner tonight and into Friday – otherwise high pressure is growing there (and that high should reach NZ mid to late next week)