A polar vortex has led to snow and thunderstorm watches being issued for much of the motu by MetService today, as a chilly blast springs into action.
In the North Island, a heavy snow watch is in place for Taihape, as well as road snowfall warnings for the Desert Rd and SH5 from Napier to Taupō this afternoon.
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Thunderstorms are also expected to once again impact many North Island regions.
“For Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, and western areas from Waikato to Whanganui, there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms this morning,” MetService said.
“For Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, and eastern parts of Taihape, Taupō and Bay of Plenty, there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms this afternoon, and this risk continues into the evening about coastal Gisborne and Mahia Peninsula.
“Any thunderstorms that occur today will likely be accompanied by heavy rain with intensities of 10 to 15mm/h, and small hail.”
A strong wind watch was issued for Northland from Whangārei southwards, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, and Coromandel Peninsula north of Hot Water Beach from 4pm to 9pm tonight.
“Southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Moderate chance of upgrading to a warning,” MetService said.
Snow down south
The South Island is also in for a freezing day more reminiscent of mid-winter.
Fiordland, Southland, southern Otago and Stewart Island were all under a heavy snow warning which has since been lifted.
Road snowfall warnings are in place for many roads in the South Island, including Milford Rd, Crown Range Rd, Lindis Pass, Dunedin to Waitati Highway, Haast Pass, Porters, Arthur’s and Lewis Pass.
A section of SH8 between Burkes Pass between Fairlie and Tekapo was closed due to snow and ice but has now reopened.
Matarua to Clinton (SH93) and Lindis Pass were also closed due to heavy snowfall but have since reopened.
