Cold southerly continues to blast the North Island

Showers, hail and snow continue to chill North Islanders as a cold southerly flow covers that part of the country.

Road snow warnings remained in place for the Desert Road, where occasional snow showers were forecast on Tuesday, and the Rimutaka Hill Road, where snow showers were expected to turn to sleet.

MetService had a severe weather watch in place for the possibility of heavy rain in the hill country north of Wairoa and south of Gisborne throughout Tuesday and Wednesday morning.

Occasional showers, some heavy with hail and possibly thundery, would hit the eastern coast.

Snow is also forecast for Taihape, while morning frosts are expected across the central and upper North Island.

Hamilton would experience a possibly severe morning frost, followed by a fine day and a high of 12 degrees Celsius.

An early frost was also possible for Auckland, which was also in for a high of 12C.

Wellington could expect a high of 8C, with occasional showers and strong southerlies which would ease in the evening.

Meanwhile a ridge covering the South Island would bring sunshine but severe frosts inland.

Christchurch should experience cloudy periods and the chance of a shower with a high of 9C.