A broad low moves onto the country on Thursday, bringing with it heavy rain to many areas.
There is also high confidence that rainfall amounts in the South Island will reach "warning criteria'' in Westland on Thursday and moderate amounts in Fiordland, Buller and the ranges of Nelson.
Heavy rains are being forecast for the North Island and there is also high confidence of warning amounts in easterly Bay of Plenty on Thursday and Friday morning.
Mums and dads hoping to get the kids out and about for the last week of the holidays were being given a heads up about the rough and tumble weather.
"Make the most of Tuesday and Wednesday,'' meteorologist Angus Hines said.
"Another bout of severe weather is likely at the end of the week. It's not only rain that will be grabbing the headlines.
"Gale force winds are forecast to affect a lot of the North Island and a southerly change pushing into the lower South Island overnight Thursday is likely to lower temperatures and bring further snow to some inland areas."
Hines said although the snow was not expected to be as extensive as that seen in the South last week, it could still impact road conditions and transport significantly.
At the moment, there is moderate confidence that snowfall amounts would reach warning criteria above 400m in Otago and Canterbury.
Southerly gales could become severe in coastal Canterbury and Marlborough on Friday and Saturday, as well as in Wellington, coastal Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay on the weekend.
Weather conditions around the country today is mixed; with rain, fog and winds hitting some places while other areas will enjoy sunny patches.
However, thick fog is causing major problems on Otago roads affecting drivers' visibility.
Police are warning people driving between Milton and Allanton to delay travel until conditions improve.
There had already been a serious crash between a car and ute on the Waihola Highway with one person trapped and debris scattered across the road.
Aucklanders can expect a few showers, possibly heavy, today and a high of 16C.
Whangarei will see similar conditions and a high of 17C, while Gisborne has a high of 14C and occasional rain clearing this afternoon.
Other parts of the country are in for fine days, save for chillier temperatures.
Wellington has a high of 11C and an overnight low of 5C. Palmerston North, Nelson, Christchurch and Queenstown will all see fine conditions apart from some morning fog or low cloud.
Those in Dunedin will enjoy a beautiful day and a high of 11C.
