Winter chill to abate today

This morning's cold and frosty conditions are set to ease later today, with "regular spring-like" weather returning to Hawke's Bay tomorrow and Friday.

Winter's last kick, that travelled the length of New Zealand this week, brought icy winds, frosts, thunder storms and even snow to the region.

MetService meteorologist Daniel Corbett said there was potential for thundery conditions overnight and this morning.

"There could be thunder storms and a few flashes of lightning and maybe some small bursts of hail that could very well settle," he said.

"It's going to be cold, the cold southerly keeps slowly spreading its way north."

Snow on the Kaweka Range could exceed 20cm, he said.

"Above 800m could look rather white because there is a fairly active trough sweeping up the east coast, thats's going to sweep up much of the North Island overnight, so could bring potential for 20-25cm of snow above 800m.

"At sea level, there is just going to be a rather cold start to the day, though this should slowly get back to regular spring-like weather for Thursday and Friday."

Napier and Hastings' estimated highs were 10C today, with lows of 2C and 1C respectively.

In Central Hawke's Bay, Dannevirke's high was predicted at 7C, with a chilly low of -1C.

Farmers were again advised to move stock into sheltered paddocks, and growers to be aware of frosty conditions.

Rural areas could expect afternoon showers, particularly heavy in coastal areas and with hail. More snowfall above 300m, cold southwesterlies and frosts were also expected to continue.