Camera captures sudden shift in weather as snow storm blows over Remutaka Ranges

A traffic camera has captured the dramatic shift in weather at the Remutaka Ranges as snow falls in the lower North Island and blankets the south.

MetService's traffic camera at Remutaka Pass showed a sudden change from sunny, blue skies to frosty, gloomy conditions as a storm blew over the mountains.

Within the space of 15 minutes, clouds and snow covered the sky and even the camera.

MetService said snow showers between 2 and 4 cm could accumulate about the summit with lesser amounts to 300 metres.

Meteorologist Braydon White said cold southerly air was blowing its way up the country bringing chilly weather to the capital.

"We've seen some snow on the Remutaka road, generally down to about 300 metres. There have been some reports of some small hail around in the city, so it's definitely pretty cold."

He said the temperature dropped to 2 degrees in the region, low enough that some flurries made it to sea level in the central city.

White said it had been several years since snow had fallen in the city, and more could be on the way tonight.