Cooler temperatures expected this week

New Zealand is in for cooler weather for the rest of this week.

The MetService has predicted the southerly flow arriving over the country today and tonight is likely to linger for the rest of the week, bringing thunderstorms and hail.

Daytime maximum temperatures are currently forecast by Metservice to fall to 17C in Auckland, 13C in Wellington and 14C in Christchurch by Friday.

There had been fresh snow on the hills around Milford Rd, in Fiordland, this morning.

MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said because temperatures had been increasing recently, the cool change may come as a bit of a shock.

He said: "Conditions will vary, but if cold air combines with clear skies and light winds at night, there is an increased risk of late-spring frosts in vulnerable areas."

- NZPA