Wellington wakes to a hailstorm - and there are more gale-force winds on the way today after 100kmh gusts hit overnight

Powerful winds in Marlborough and Wellington seen overnight are expected to continue until this evening, MetService says.

The gusts could reach up to 120kmh in exposed places, after gusts of up to 100kmh were recorded last night at Wellington Airport.

Strong winds are also possible today in exposed, coastal areas of Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa and Canterbury from Banks Pensinsula northwards.

The high in the capital is expected to peak at just nine degrees as the cold southerlies move through.

Road snowfall warnings are in place for the Desert Road, Rimutaka Hill Road, Lewis Pass and Porters Pass.

For a full forecast for your area, see our weather page here .