Rain, snow and hail on the way

File photo of bad weather in Whanganui. Photo / Stuart Munro

Forecasters are warning of snow and hail as temperatures dip in some areas today.

An unsettled period of weather is looming with showers forecast for most of the country over the coming days as a strong, cold south-west flow covers New Zealand.

The south-westerly is expected to hang over New Zealand until mid-week with most places feeling the blow of brisk winds.

On Tuesday a trough is forecast to cross the South Island before moving up through the North Island.

For the immediate future the sun won't entirely disappear, but showers and south-westerly winds will sweep across the country.

Auckland can expect cloudy periods today and some sun with a few showers, especially afternoon onwards with south-west winds.

Tauranga should hope for sunny spells with the odd isolated shower as well as strong winds.

Wellington is set to see some sun with increasing cloud and showers from evening with a strong southerly change.

Christchurch residents should keep an umbrella close as a few showers from afternoon are expected. And as south-west winds freshen, there's a risk of hail.

Dunedin should get some rain easing to showers during the afternoon and the inescapable brisk south-west winds.

Showers are expected to turn to snow about the summit of the Desert Road, with snow showers above 900 metres until late Monday morning. One to 3cm may accumulate above 900 metres.