The cold sweeping across the country is set to let up on Wednesday — during the day at least — however the rain is going to be more persistent, and looks to remain off and on until at least the end of the week, according to MetService.
Before it eases off, the cold, showery southwesterly flow impacting the country today is expected continue into tomorrow, although the strongest winds and heaviest showers are expected to ease throughout the day.
Frost is forecast across much of the South Island and the central and eastern North Island tomorrow morning, with even those in urban areas warned to "prepare to rug up warm" as temperatures dip well below zero in some areas — Christchurch can expect a -4C start to the day.
By Thursday morning, the chill could even reach Auckland and Northland, with frosts possible.
Kids took advantage of the chilly weather, building snowmans and tobogganing. (Source: 1News)
However, Wednesday is forecast to bring sunshine across the country, providing a welcome break from the low temperatures.
"A ridge of high pressure will bring settled weather and double-digit daytime temperatures for most regions," MetService said.
"These milder temperatures will continue into the latter half of the week as a northwesterly flow develops ahead of an incoming weather system."
Winds will increase over the South Island on Thursday, gradually spreading to the North Island by Friday.
The wet weather is also expected to return in the latter half of the week.
In the western South Island, some rain is forecast to return on Thursday, and make its way over the Southern Alps into inland Canterbury and Otago.
Several highways across the south were closed, with the heavy snow watch now sitting over Otago and Southland. (Source: 1News)
By the end of Friday, MetService said western parts of the North Island may also see rain, with the rest of the island likely to experience wet weather on Saturday.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane described it as "yo-yo weather at its finest", to go from "snow to sunshine back to blustery winds all in a matter of days".
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