Weather

Heavy rain is on the way for much of the country today, while the Canterbury high country is set to get a big dump of snow.

An unusually cold southwesterly flow for October is expected to hit Otago today bringing rain, gusty winds and occasional snow showers.

Otago experienced the highs and lows of spring weather during September.

Spring may be here but snow and sleet is on the way for the South, forecasters have warned.

"The Southern Ocean's strong westerly winds will dominate NZ's weather this week bringing more west to south west winds and cooler weather for many main centres".

Nelson residents are being told to prepare for a downpour with a severe weather warning in place in northwest parts of the region.

Commuters across the country had to scrape ice from their car windows this morning as frosts blanketed much of New Zealand.

Snow continues to fall in the North Island as a cold snap moves up the country.

Wild weather has brought snow to much of Otago this morning, prompting people to don the winter woollies again after some pleasant temperatures at the beginning of spring.

ODT Online readers have been sending in their pictures.

Wild wind on Wednesday cut electricity to 1400 customers in Southland and Otago and closed roads and skifields.