Weather expert Philip Duncan notes the cold snap embracing the northern hemisphere is making life tough on 'global warming' promoters.

Motorists are being warned to take extra care on the roads as heavy rain and strong winds move up the country.

A short-sharp barrage of rain and hail pummelled Invercargill today leaving the city looking like a scene from mid-winter.

The noughties were the warmest decade on record in New Zealand, although last year was cooler than average, latest Niwa figures show.

Millions of people living in southern England and the Home Counties were told to prepare themselves for up to 40cm of snow last night as Britain remained in the grip of the longest prolonged spell of cold weather for 30 years.

A vigorous front which has hammered the lower South Island with high winds and rain will attack central parts of the country today.

Damaging gales have hit the bottom of the South Island this afternoon and are moving north.

A bright, sunny and hot day is set to welcome in the new year in most parts of the country.

Kiwis basked through the warmest winter in 150 years and shivered through the coldest spring in decades - all during a year of weird weather.

New Zealanders could not have asked for better weather to celebrate a Kiwi Christmas - and more sun is headed our way.

This Christmas is predicted to be the fairest of the decade, and hot, dry conditions are expected to last almost until the New Year.

Mainly settled temperatures in the low 20s and light seabreezes are predicted for for Christmas Day.