MetService says a spell of unsettled weather is set to bring snow to some of the South Island's alpine passes.
The forecaster has issued road snowfall warnings for the Lindis Pass (State Highway 8), the Crown Range Road, the Milford Road (SH94) and Arthur's Pass (SH73).
A front was expected to move northeast across the country from the southwest today, followed by a strong cold southerly change, MetService said.
In the North island, the Desert Road has a road snowfall warning in place from 4pm until 10pm tomorrow. Snow is forecast to settle on the road from late this afternoon and evening.
"Expect 1 to 2cm to accumulate about the summit of the road, with lesser amounts down to 900."
Those planning to travel on Arthur's Pass can expect snow to settle on the road from tonight (about 10pm) until tomorrow morning (about 10am).
Between 3cm to 5cm of snow is forecast to settle above 800m, with lesser amounts lower down.
Similar conditions are expected on Lindis Pass; with between 5cm to 10cm of snow expected to accumulate above 800m from 7pm to 5am tomorrow.
Snow is due to settle on Crown Range Rd from late this afternoon (about 4pm) until early tomorrow (approximately 3am). Between 8cm to 12cm of snow is forecast.
The warning on Milford Road is in place from 3pm to 11pm tonight. MetService says between 2cm to 4cm of snow is due to accumulate above 800m.
The NZ Transport Agency has advised that the road will close overnight, owing to the forecast snow.
Motorists are advised to keep a close eye on weather updates throughout the day. The next road snowfall warnings update will be issued at 10am.
