Chilly Rotorua set to miss worst of stormy weather

Metservice say it will be rainy week for Rotorua. Photo/File

Rotorua is "pretty lucky" to be missing the worst of the weather hitting the central North Island, says a MetService meterologist.

"Rotorua isn't going to be as bad as the rest of the country. There will be odd showers and a bit of rain about, and a southerly will come through in the next couple of hours," said meterologist Tom Adams.

A heavy hail storm hit the Rotorua CBD about 2.30pm today, with hail also blanketing the lakefront in Taupo.

Mr Adams said with the temperature expected to fall to 0C at the airport tonight, locals should anticipate chilly evenings for the rest of the week.

Coats and scarves will be required tomorrow as well, with a day time high of 8C expected.

"Showers should pick up tomorrow in frequency, especially in the evening. Friday there will be odd showers and then it turns into what will hopefully be not a bad weekend."

Meanwhile, the NZ Travel Agency is advising motorists wishing to travel through the Central Plateau to delay travel where possible.

Freezing temperatures and heavy snow are expected in the area today and tomorrow .

MetService has road snowfall warnings in place for State Highway 5 Napier-Taupo Rd and State Highway 1, the Desert Rd.

NZTA spokeswoman, Karen Boyt, said they were monitoring and working on the roads 24/7.

"Our staff have been doing their best to keep the road open overnight by doing things such as laying grit and the snow ploughs are being used, but the driving conditions out there are not good so if you can, please delay your travel."

The week according to Metservice
Wednesday: High 10C, low 0C
Thursday: High 8C, low 2C
Friday: High 11C, low 1C
Saturday: High 11C, low -1C
Friday: High 11C, low 2C