Heavy snow and severe weather warnings have been issued for Otago and Southland, including Dunedin, for later today and tomorrow.
The MetService said a bitterly cold southwest flow over the lower South Island was expected to bring snow to near sea level in parts of southern Fiordland, Southland and Otago today and tomorrow.
The heaviest snowfalls are expected from this evening through to Tuesday morning, when up to 15cm is likely to accumulate above 200 metres about parts of Southland and South Otago, and especially the Catlins.
Snowfalls between 2cm and 5cm could fall on some lower areas during this time, including parts of Dunedin and Invercargill.
Strong or even gale force southwest winds about exposed coastal areas and the hills, are likely to lead to blizzard conditions with heavy drifting snow and very low wind chill temperatures.
It was expected the weather would cause disruption to many roads.
"Strong or even gale force southwest winds about exposed coastal areas and the hills are likely to lead to blizzard conditions with heavy drifting snow and very low wind chill temperatures," the MetService said.
Throughout the rest of the country showers were expected to increase in the North Island tomorrow, with snow down to 400 metres.
The remainder of the South Island was likely to become fine.
These conditions are expected to cause disruption to many roads.
