The strong southwesterly winds that have been battering the Whanganui region are due to depart on Monday night, taking the rain and snow with them.
Tuesday's forecast is for a fine day with the temperature climbing to a high of 15C with a few southwesterly breezes and an overnight low of 8C.
MetService meteorologist Stephen Glassey said the polar storm that affected most parts of the country on Sunday night and Monday was caused by a significant low-pressure system that has brought southerly gales, rain, and snow.
"The low dragged up cold air all the way from Antarctica," he said.
A high of 16C is forecast for the Whanganui region on Wednesday, and it will be cloudy with the likelihood of showers and an overnight low of 8C.