Unseasonable cold snap set to hit NZ

Snow has been forecast above 400m from late morning until late afternoon, and 4cm-8cm is expected above 700m. Photo / iStock

A blast of cold weather will give New Zealanders, particularly those in the South Island, a flash back to winter, as snow flurries descend on parts of the country.

Northerlies are gusting over 100km/h in exposed parts of Wellington and the winds would continue throughout the day.

In southern Otago and Southland temperatures were down below 10C and MetService issued a warning for snow to accumulate above 700m.

Meteorologist Peter Little said road snowfall warnings had been issued for some South Island passes, including State Highway 8 Lindis Pass.

"It's looking like it's going to be a pretty cold event," Mr Little said.

"We're going to have some frosts coming through once all the snow has been dealt with."

Mr Little said the cold snap was unseasonable but not unheard of for November.

The snow would fall down to 400m, MetService said, while WeatherWatch said some flurries could be seen to 300m.

WeatherWatch analyst Aaron Wilkinson said Dunedin was 7C with a cold southerly wind today.

Severe northwest gales were also possible in eastern areas and rain could reach warning levels about the headwaters of the Otago lakes.

MetService warned Fiordland had experienced a period of heavy rain.

Westland was expected to see heavy rain with up to 100mm possibly accumulating in the ranges today.

The cold weather will creep north as the day goes on and overnight.

Auckland is experiencing a high of 20C today, but tomorrow it will drop to 15C with showers and southwesterlies around.

Wellington's high today of 15C will drop to 11C tomorrow and Christchurch's high will also fall to 11C tomorrow.