Heavy rain, thunderstorms and gales are in store for western parts of the country, MetService says.
Other parts of the country can expect heavy showers and thunderstorms "in a cold west to southwest flow".
"This is an unseasonably cold outbreak," MetService remarked, stating snow may fall to around 700m over the lower South Island tomorrow.
"In addition, large southwest swells are expected."
The forecaster said a deep low, with several embedded fronts and troughs, is to blame.
The bad weather has prompted MetService to issue a number of weather warnings and watches.
They include orange heavy rain and strong wind warnings for some, and a heavy rain and strong wind watch for others.
Heavy swell warnings are also in place for parts of the bottom of the North Island.
A severe thunderstorm watch has also been issued for Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taupō, Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Taihape, Whanganui, Manawatū, Tararua, Kapiti-Horowhenua, Wairarapa, Wellington, and Marlborough.
"Between 10am and 6 pm today, localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h may affect western areas of the North Island from Waikato to Wellington, also the Tararua District, Wairarapa, and Marlborough Sounds. These downpours could occur with or without thunderstorms," MetService said.
Click here for the latest severe weather updates from MetService.
SHARE ME