Unstable conditions continue over the North Island and upper South Island through to tomorrow morning, with a further high risk of thunderstorms from tonight bringing rain, hail and even stronger wind gusts reaching 110km/h or possibly more in places.
Snow could also lower to 1000m over the central North Island overnight tonight, possibly affecting the Desert Rd. Conditions were forecast to ease by the end of tomorrow.
Western regions on both islands would experience heavy rain today, especially in the morning and late afternoon, said WeatherWatch head analyst Philip Duncan.
Gusty westerly winds were forecast for much of the North Island during the day before ramping up in the evening with gales possible especially in the west, Duncan said.
"Classic spring weather."