MetService issued a severe weather watch for heavy rain in the Wairoa district of Hawke's Bay last night, which is expected to last

A large slip has blocked SH3 in North Taranaki, flooding and slips have closed roads in Wellington and hampered the capital's World War I centenary events.

Parts of the country are experiencing balmy summer-like temperatures as the mercury soared above 20C at lunchtime today.

It may have got a bit nippy overnight, but the MetService says temperatures across the country will now get back to normal after recent chilly weather.

Skiers and snowboarders flocked to sunny Mt Ruapehu in such great numbers today that the access road to Whakapapa ski area had to be closed.

Search and rescue teams have suspended their search for the man missing in Tararua Forest Park overnight.

After a night of freezing temperatures, heavy rain and snow, forecasters are predicting more of the same today.

Rainy days are here to stay for most of the country today, as the wet weather which has stuck around for the last couple of weeks shows no signs of abating.

White-out conditions at Mt Ruapehu have forced the evacuation of dozens of people from the slopes today.

After heavy rain up north last night, sunshine followed by afternoon showers are in store for many parts of the country this weekend. Heavy

It's bad news for sun seekers but great news for snow goers as the winter weather begins to settle in.

A large low pressure system from the Tasman Sea is moving slowly across northern New Zealand during the next few days.

A big low is bringing bad weather.

Once the fog clears, scattered showers will set in.

North Islanders should rug up and turn their electric blankets on tonight as overnight lows drop by as much as 7C in some areas.

A new road snowfall warning has been issued for the Desert Road, with 1-2cm of snow expected above 900m.

Power outages and wild westerlies at the start of the week as a large low pressure system engulfs the north.

We get to enjoy a thin sliver of fine weather before the rain returns for the weekend.

New Year's Eve revellers can expect a warm and sunny day in most parts of the country, but the good weather will be short-lived.

October temperatures were predicted to be average, or above average, in the east of both islands.

Snow is falling in Dunedin and other parts of Otago and Southland as a burst of cold air comes across the country.

It's going to be a stormy start to spring with rain on the radar throughout the country.

Batten down the hatches - spring is on the way and its first week brings wet and windy weather.

The MetService has confirmed it is vying for the multi-million pound weather forecasting contract on BBC TV.

MetService meteorologist Stephen Glassey said there were a few showers affecting Northland and Taranaki today, as well as some cloud over the central North Island.

A cold snap sweeping across the country has made for a frosty start to the week and disrupted flights, roads and schools in Dunedin.

Aucklanders who shivered through another cold night will be pleased to know the showers that brought hail to many places yesterday will ease today.

Hail has pelted Aucklanders today, while snow has paved the Desert Rd and blanketed Dunedin.

Heavy snow and bitterly cold southerlies are expected in parts of the country today.

A wintry blast which battered the South Island over night is now making its way north, with several weather watches and warnings in place.