Here at Hutt Weather we have a tradition of welcoming in the first snowfall of the season. Not sure what it is, but for those interested in the weather those dreary cold days mark the start of an interesting weather pattern of storms, rainfall and maybe the odd snowfall on the hills.

 Little did anyone suspect that this year, winter would arrive with a polar blast so early in the season. The weekend of 30th to 31st May marked an unsettled period as southerly winds sourccing cold air from Antarctic waters brought a blustery southerly with hail, rain and even snow around the suburbs in Wellington. Snow was even rumoured to be falling in Willis street, at sea level in central Wellington, something that last happened around 40 years ago. Of course I was out trying to brave the elements for your viewing pleasure, and this is the evidence after one particularly viscious hailstorm made it's way through Maungaraki. Check out our YouTube video here and then look at the aftermath below.