Many parts of New Zealand are in for a wet, windy, and thunderous start to the week as a front races up the country from the Southern Ocean.
Gale northerlies precede this front and MetService has issued strong wind warnings for much of the South Island and the lower North Island, with gusts up to 120 to 130km/h expected.
There are also heavy rain warnings for the western South Island and the Tararua Ranges, and by the end of Tuesday, cooler temperatures will bring snow to the hills in the far south.
A weather map from MetService shows thunderstorms are following the front as it sweeps across New Zealand from the Tasman Sea.
"The hit-and-miss nature of these mean that the risk of heavy rain continues after the front has passed, particularly for the western South Island, although there will be significant variation place to place," MetService says.
MetService meteorologist Tom Adams says there'll be a mix of downpours and gusts from fast-moving thunderstorms that also slot in behind the front, bringing the possibility of trees toppling and trampolines flying.
"As always, people are advised to keep an eye on the forecasts and NZTA for possible road closures," he adds.
WeatherWatch says there'll be cold winds, particularly later on Tuesday and into Wednesday. This means temperatures will be average to below average across the country.
By Thursday the last of the thunderstorms will have passed, and New Zealand will get a small break before the next front is due on Friday. MetService says this should move over quite quickly and it should be a fine and sunny weekend.
