A cold front moving across the country, has seen the South Island bear the brunt of wet and wild weather

Auckland, Northland and the Coromandel, are under strong wind and severe thunderstorm watches -- both expected to ease off tonight.

The lower South Island is under heavy rain and strong wind watches until Monday, while Queenstown has seen snow showers.

MetService meteorologist Ngaire Wotherspoon says cold temperatures nationwide now will be short-lived.

She says the strong and cold southwesterly flow across the country, has dropped temperatures, but will warm up tomorrow and on Monday.