The snowy cold snap that enveloped much of the South Island has given way to warmer temperatures today, with high winds and thunderstorms a risk in some parts of the country.
Sunny skies are on the way for both islands tomorrow, but not for long -- more cold, wet weather is in store for the weekend.
WeatherWatch head analyst Philip Duncan said temperatures would warm up over the next couple of days, with temperatures in the late teens to early 20s.
Temperatures would continue to climb tomorrow as the cold front moved off to the east, and a high moved in bringing dry weather and warmer nor'westers.
But temperatures would fall again as rain moved in from the south from Friday, Mr Duncan said.
