A long, hot, dry summer is on the way thanks to a returning La Nina weather pattern, say forecasters...

Online users visiting the MetService website during this week's polar blast may have contracted a computer virus from malware hidden in online advertisements.

Weather experts are predicting a chilly weekend ahead as an outbreak of cold looks set to move up the country, bringing snow and gales.

Several roads have been reopened after a "15-to-20 year outbreak" of heavy snow and rain conditions sent a chill around New Zealand. The chilly weather is expected to move north over the country this evening.

Heavy rain, sleet and snow is threatening parts of NZ. Follow developments and read reader reaction from your area.

Weather forecasters say worst of electrical storms over but heavy snow likely in south.