A "large low" is set to hit parts of New Zealand this week, which could prompt highway closures and flight cancellations for several areas.
Forecasters say a cold front will move northwards over the South Island on Tuesday and will break up over the lower North Island in the afternoon, triggering colder air temperatures moving into Wednesday.
Four severe weather alerts - all road snowfall warnings - were in place for the South Island, MetService said.
According to the national forecaster, the front would move on to western parts of New Zealand on Thursday.
"The first half of the week is looking like the best time to get any outdoor jobs finished with the weather set to go downhill in time for Thursday and Friday," MetService said.
"The end of the week looks set to see the return of some windier and wetter weather across many parts of Aotearoa New Zealand. There may be the risk of severe weather, so remember to keep an eye on the forecast from MetService," said meteorologist John Law.
WeatherWatch also noted the low was expected to deepen throughout Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The forecaster said highways and flights "may be impacted... later this week and weekend due to this low".
"Big doesn't always mean bad - so while the low might look intimidating the severe risks aren't widespread for everyone, but the instability means pockets of severe weather may be possible in many regions of both islands for a time."
