Strong cold southerlies are moving their way up the country today with the MetService issuing a severe wind warning for the North Island.

Temperatures dropped overnight with the MetService reporting a daily high of 13 degrees Celsius today dropping to four overnight.

Wrap up warm as a chilly winter temperatures hit.

While the South Island experiences snow, Tauranga is expected to get a small portion of the chilly blast before it heats up later in the week.

MetService communications meteorologist John Law says cold air spreading across the country from Antarctica is going to prompt a lot of people reaching for extra layers this week.

The MetService says winds could be gusting 120km/h at times in Auckland and Northland.

'The combination of strong winds and low temperatures is going to make it feel bitterly cold. Snow to very low levels, especially in parts of the South Island, and the odd heavy fall of small hail, are likely to disrupt travel on some roads over the next couple of days.

'Additionally, strong wind gusts from heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely, perhaps reaching 130km/h, particularly in western areas of both islands, through to early Wednesday.”