Drag out those puffa jackets - MetService is forecasting another wintry blast as temperatures are set to fall across the country this week.
Though today will be mild and sunny for most, wetter and colder weather is on the way.
MetService early this afternoon issued heavy snow warnings on Thursday for Canterbury alpine highways Porters and Arthur's passes (both State Highway 73) where up between 10cm and 20cm was set to fall, and for the Lindis Pass (SH8) in Central Otago, from midnight on Wednesday.
Earlier this morning, the Milford Road Alliance advised of snow affecting the Milford Road (SH94) area.
MetService meteorologist John Law told RNZ's Morning Report programme today conditions this week would kick off the winter to come.
"The combination of that cold air pushing up the country and that moisture will mean the return of some wintry weather over the tops of the Canterbury high country.
"So those are the regions first off that will find that snow weather. But by the time we head towards Friday and the weekend, I think all of us will find our temperatures are well and truly colder than it has been."
A period of snow was likely for the Canterbury High Country late on Wednesday and it could fall above about 800 metres in the South Canterbury High Country. Law said snow showers could fall as low as 200 or 300 metres in the Canterbury region on Friday.
A heavy snow watch has been issued for Canterbury but is likely to be upgraded to a warning.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said the system would bring quite a lot of rain, especially from Wednesday into Thursday.
She said a low-pressure system was moving towards the country from the Tasman Sea, resulting in snowfall in inland parts of the South Island.
"This week will bring a shift to colder weather, snowfall and rain," she said.
"As we head towards the latter part of this week, we will see that wind flow coming more from the south and southwest, so that'll be bringing much cooler air over the country and snowfall to lower levels as well."
Makgabutlane said the snow would be welcome news for southern ski fields.
"It is looking like a good snow event and so any of that snow that does reach those ski fields will definitely be adding to that," she said.
People travelling in the snow should be wary of the conditions, Makgabutlane said.
"If people are planning on travelling on those elevated roads, do keep an eye out, because the snow could be affecting some of those road conditions," she said.
Makgabutlane urged those in areas with warnings and watches to keep checking the forecast.
Road snowfall warnings
Lindis Pass (SH8)
From 12am on Wednesday until 8am on Thursday
Forecast: Snow expected from on Wednesday night about the summit then lowering during Thursday morning, especially on the northern side. 2cm to 5cm of snow could accumulate at the summit during Thursday morning, with lesser amounts down to 500 metres.
Milford Road (SH94)
Snow showers were forecast about the Homer Tunnel on the Milford Road overnight on Wednesday into Thursday and possibly Friday, with snow above 400 metres on Friday.
Arthurs Pass (SH73)
Valid: From 3am to 10am on Thursday
Snow expected from early on Thursday about the summit, then lowering to 500 metres later in the morning, especially on the eastern side. Some 10cm to 15cm of snow may accumulate during Thursday morning with lesser amounts down to 500 metres.
Porters Pass (SH73)
Valid: From 3am until 11am on Thursday
Forecast: Snow is expected from early Thursday morning about the summit, then lowering to 400 metres later in the morning. 10cm to 20cm of snow may accumulate on the road during Thursday morning, especially near the summit.
Heavy rain watch for Fiordland
A heavy rain watch was in place for Fiordland, north of Breaksea Sound, from 7pm today until 11am tomorrow.
Heavy rain watches were also in place for Motueka, Marlborough and Nelson in the Tasman region, all with a high chance of being upgraded to a warning.
MetService said surface flooding and slips were possible.
- ODT Online and RNZ
