A wintry chill is forecast to sweep up the country this week, bringing steep temperature drops, wetter and windier weather, and the potential for snow.
The warm spring temperatures experienced across eastern parts of the South Island were set to be disrupted by "noticeably cooler and wetter weather" as a cold front moved northwards on Wednesday.
Places such as Christchurch, Ashburton, Timaru and Oamaru could potentially swing from highs in the low 20s on Tuesday, to struggling to reach 10C by Thursday.
Meteorologist Maddy Neal said "despite being well into spring, winter isn't quite finished with us yet".
"Moisture drawn down from the north will move over a layer of colder air near the surface, creating a setup that is favourable for large amounts of snow at higher elevations.
"This may affect some of the higher roads in the south on Wednesday and Thursday, so keep an eye out for road snow warnings," she said.
In the South Island, north-westerly winds were expected to build ahead of the approaching front, bringing "warmer air and a spring feeling".
Temperatures will be highest in the east of the South Island, rising to the low 20s, Neal added.
"As the front reaches Te Waipounamu (the South Island) on Tuesday, heavy rain is expected for western areas, with a heavy rain watch in force between 5pm Tuesday to midday Wednesday for Fiordland."
She said today would be settled for most, with only a smattering of showers for the west coast of the South Island, and parts of Auckland, Northland and eastern Bay of Plenty.
"Much of the week for the North Island is dry, albeit with a few areas of cloud, but sunny spells will dominate the weather until Thursday, when the cold front arrives."
Neal said the cold front would move northwards throughout Wednesday and Thursday, bringing wet weather and stronger winds to much of the country.
"The front is expected to reach Northland during the second half of Thursday, and by Friday the system gradually weakens over the upper north," she said.
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