The first significant snowfall of the year is predicted for Otago and Southland tomorrow.
A severe weather warning was yesterday issued for heavy rain in Otago and Southland tomorrow, with snow to about 400m and heavy falls possible at higher levels.
MetService spokesman Dan Corbett said while temperatures were expected to reach 17degC and be fine in Dunedin today, an onshore southerly change was expected to arrive tomorrow, bringing cooler temperatures and heavy rain.
''It'll be biting cold and on Monday temperatures will only be nine to 10 degrees.''
Inland, the change would bring snow to about 400m to 500m later in the day, continuing into Monday in Queenstown, he said.
That meant Central Otago's ski fields should get their first significant snowfall of the year.
Remarkables ski area manager Ross Lawrence said snow fell to about 1200m on Thursday and he was expecting about 12cm during the weekend.
MetService was advising people to be aware surface flooding and slips might occur and driving conditions might become hazardous.
''People should also stay up to date with the latest forecasts, in case any of these watches needs to be upgraded to a full warning.''
The coming week would be unsettled with a wet start changing to cool, fine weather for a few days, Mr Corbett said.
