A cold snap is expected later this week, with rain, wind and snow set to hit most of the country.
MetService spokesman John Law said the east of the North Island was set for a wet week.
A severe weather warning had been issued for heavy rainfall for Gisborne and Hawkes Bay north of Napier.
Waikato and the Central Plateau as well as the South Island could expect frosty nights from this evening, he said.
"Once again, the temperatures are likely to see-saw across the country.
"After a frosty Monday night temperatures will recover slightly on Tuesday with a brief return to milder northwesterlies."
A cold outbreak would arrive at the end of the week, and would send temperatures plummeting again with more snow in the south, Mr Law said.
Gusty northwesterly winds were also expected to hit Southland, Otago and Canterbury, with a potential of reaching gale-force.
