The start of meteorological spring brings calmer, more settled conditions to the North Island, with mostly light showers and plenty of sunshine in the east.

In contrast, the South Island woke to cloudier skies and showers, some heavy with thunderstorms and gusts up to 90km/h on the West Coast, as a cold front moved up the island, the MetService said in its latest update.

That front will sweep quickly up the country, followed by a second front that will prolong rain and snowfall in the South Island.

Cooler southerlies trailing behind will drop overnight lows, leading to widespread frosts.

Looking ahead

By midweek, a high-pressure system will bring more settled conditions nationwide.

However, the West Coast of the South Island will continue to see rain, possibly heavy at times, persisting into Thursday, while the rest of the country stays mostly settled.

The week ahead looks mostly calm with plenty of sunshine, aside from a few light showers this evening and possibly again Tuesday afternoon.

“This is good news for participants and supporters at the Zespri AIMS Games, which runs through to Friday, September 5 in Tauranga Moana,” said MetService meteorologist Kgolofelo Dube.

Watches and warnings (next two days):

Strong wind warning – Stewart Island: 11am – 6pm Monday, Sept 1.

Strong wind watch – Hawke’s Bay (south of Hastings) and Tararua District: 11am – midnight, Monday, Sept 1.

Strong wind watch – Dunedin, Clutha, Southland (south of Gore): 1pm – 8pm, Monday, Sept 1.

Strong wind watch – Chatham Islands: 5am – 10am Tuesday, Sept 2.

Road snowfall warning – Arthur’s Pass (SH73): Midnight Monday – 10am Tuesday, Sept 2.

Road snowfall warning – Lindis Pass (SH8): 6am – 8am Tuesday, Sept 2.

Road snowfall warning – Crown Range Road: Midnight Monday – 9am Tuesday, Sept 2.

Road snowfall warning – Milford Road (SH94): 10pm Monday – 9am Tuesday, Sept 2.

Expect possible damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles, said the MetService.