Weather warning for North Island

File photo / Dean Purcell

Wild weather is expected across the country in the next 48 hours, with heavy rain in the southwest, high winds in the east and snow on the mountain passes.

MetService forecaster Oliver Druce said a fast-moving front was expected to cross Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa this evening, bringing with it severe westerly gales from northern Wairarapa to Hastings.

The winds would be strong enough to damage trees and powerlines and make driving conditions difficult, he said.

Snow is expected to be a problem on southern mountain passes later today, and the Desert Road overnight.

As a cold front approaches the South Island, northwesterlies are expected to strengthen and bring heavy rain to Fiordland and Westland late tomorrow.

Up to 120mm is likely in Fiordland and possibly 160mm in the Westland ranges.

Farmers and trampers have been warned to watch for rapidly rising streams and rivers tomorrow afternoon and evening.

- NZPA