More than 500 lightning strikes have hit parts of the South Island in the last few hours - and now the heavy rain that battered the island is heading north.
A total of 541 lightning strikes were recorded on the West Coast in the South Island, according to MetService.
Now rain from a front moving up the South Island is said to be "steadily marching" towards the North Island; bringing with it heavy rain.
"Expect some (rain) soon in Wellington and New Plymouth," a spokesman said.
"The front becomes more showery as it keeps on moving across the island this afternoon, but dies away as the day progresses which will make eastern areas stay mostly dry."
Meanwhile, a band of rain in the deep south is set to move slowly north and will bring showery conditions down there, the MetService said. Showery conditions are also due to continue to the West Coast.
It comes after periods of heavy rain to the west of the South Island this morning - and thunderstorms.
MetService earlier warned that thunderstorms were likely and, as a result, a severe thunderstorm watch is in force.
A heavy rain warning remains over the ranges of Westland south of Otirā and will last up until about 3pm.
"Expect 30mm to 70mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, with the largest accumulations likely north of the glaciers," MetService said.
Here's a loop from our rain radar this morning. The super-thin front has broken up over the land and the rain over the West Coast makes ground towards the North Island.https://t.co/prKU7O2R01 ^Tui pic.twitter.com/bmI4rjDMwc
Peak rates of between 25mm and 35mm per hour were forecast early today - especially in thunderstorms.
A heavy rain watch is also in play over the same area until about 6pm.
Another update on severe weather is set to be issued at 9pm.
Snow falling at the village on the Cardrona ski field, near Wānaka early this morning. Photo / Phil Waddell
A blanket of snow
At The Remarkables Ski Area, staff posted a video showing the heavy snow that had already fallen in the area the last few hours.
Worker Ross told viewers: "Here we are, the 13th of April, and it's snowing. The forecast says maybe 10 to 15cm of snow through this next (24-hour) period."
Scooping up a handful of snow from a white-covered table nearby, he said: "Right now, we've probably got a centimetre of snow there. Nice and wet stuff. Great for a base at the bottom of the terrain before it builds up for winter.
"This is exciting stuff ... looking forward to a great winter."
Snow falling at the village on the Cardrona ski field, near Wānaka. Photo / Phil Waddell
Humid conditions to cool in coming days
And while residents in some parts of the country are feeling the chill of fresh snow, others are sticky and hot amid humid conditions.
Metservice Meteorologist Paul Ngamanu said warm air coming in from the north, where the tropics lie, paired with rain has created the muggy, humid conditions felt in some parts of the country.
"The warmer the air, the more water vapour it can hold. What we need to get rid of it is a nice, cool southerly to come up from the south because cold air doesn't hold as much moisture."
Wind with a more southward component to it is forecast from tomorrow, Ngamanu said.
"It will start feeling drier across the South Island tomorrow and across the North Island on Thursday."
