Welcome relief from the weather as fine days predicted to start the week

One last soaking is in store for the country before we're due for a break, with rain forecast later today in the South Island, making its way north into tomorrow.

Two days of relatively dry weather should follow.

The tail end of one of the worst weeks of weather this year is going out with more of a whimper than a bang, with a "fairly quiet" day predicted for the North Island.

MetService meteorologist Ravi Kandula said a rain band on the west of the South Island would mean heavy showers along the West Coast, but overall temperatures were returning to normal for this time of year.

Temperatures for the North Island over the next couple days would sit in the mid-teens and slightly lower for the South Island - "normal winter temperatures".

The news should be welcome relief for Kiwis who have suffered through a week of heavy rain, snow and ice as the worst storm of the year made its way through the country.

Cloud would build overnight in the North Island tonight turning to rain tomorrow, but Tuesday and Wednesday were looking mainly fine for the whole country.

"Wednesday should be good for most places with light winds," Kandula said.

Overnight and into Thursday another front was expected to bring bands of rain, but it was not yet clear which part of the country would be affected.

The Desert Road was still closed until further notice due to snow and ice.

State Highway 38 between Wairoa and Te Urewera was also closed due to flooding.

The NZ Transport Agency advised motorists to use detours, with alternate routes outlined on its website.

It was another cold night without power for thousands of homes in the central and lower North Island.

Powerco has been working to restore power to homes in the central North Island, mostly in Rangitikei and Manawatu, where nearly 1800 remain without electricity.

In Hawke's Bay 30 homes on the Eastland Network were without power this morning.​

NZTA's rules for winter driving

• Allow extra time
• Ensure your vehicle is safe for winter driving
• Drive to the road and weather conditions
• Slow down and be prepared for unexpected hazards
• Allow greater following distance between you and the vehicle ahead
• Make sure your cellphone is well charged, check car charger also
• Have blankets, snacks, bottles of water ready in case of emergency or a breakdown.