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A long dry spell followed by heavy rain today, has prompted Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to warn drivers about potentially hazardous "summer ice" on the South Island's roads.

Like the better-known black ice of freezing winter days, summer ice is often invisible to drivers but is just as slippery and hazardous, lower South Island journey manager Nicole Felts said.

"After an extended run of hot summer days followed by rain, we start to experience slippery road surfaces, known as summer ice.

"Even a small amount of light rain can make the roads very slippery.

"In fact, it can be more hazardous than heavy rain because grime and exhaust particles that have built up on the road take longer to be washed away.

"The combination of light rain and summer grime creates a slippery film."

She advised drivers to take extreme care over the coming days.

"The slippery film on the surface of the road is invisible, so don’t assume it’s not there just because you can’t see it."

She urged drivers to keep speeds down on wet roads, take extra care on curves and bends, increase your following distance from vehicles in front of you, brake gently, and allow extra travel time in case you encounter summer ice conditions.

The tread level and air pressure on tyres should also be checked, she said.

"Properly inflated tyres with good treads are always a must for safe travel, but even more so in wet or slippery conditions.”