Torrential rain, floods, and national embarrassment about Auckland's weather could all be in store this summer.

Weather in the North Island is expected to remain clear and dry till the end of the month - but be prepared for a muggy summer.

A severe weather warning has been issued as heavy rain and gales are expected to hit areas across the country.

The icy southerly sweeping up the North Island has brought snow to the hills around Waikato and the Bay of Plenty and in some paddocks.

Another wintry blast is on its way and expected to hit NZ tomorrow.

The storm was characterised by powercuts throughout the country, strong winds and even flying trampolines.

Howling winds up to 100kmh are hampering efforts to rescue 24 surviving whales on a beach in the Far North.

A large pod of pilot whales stranded on a Far North beach will hopefully be refloated tomorrow.

Surviving pilot whales from a stranded pod may have to be refloated at a more sheltered bay.

Gales and heavy rain pounding the North Island have shattered weather records, and winds last night hampered rescue efforts after a mass whale stranding at the northern tip of NZ.

Severe weather has hit much of NZ. Follow updates in your area.