Wind and snow forecast

An abrupt drop in temperatures and a dusting of snow on high ground is being predicted by the MetService for Otago today.

A cold front is to move over the South Island today bringing winds gusting to 100kmh along the coast from Dunedin to Christchurch and a dusting of snow on the high ground in South Otago, weather ambassador Bob McDavitt said.

The front was expected to ease tonight and tomorrow morning, but clearing skies over Otago might allow air temperatures to "plummet to near zero", he said.

In Queenstown temperatures were forecast to reach 20degC and then plunge to 2degC tomorrow morning.

Dunedin should drop from 17degC to 7degC.