The first major cold snap of the winter is expected to hit much of the southern region tomorrow and Saturday, bringing snow down to 400m.
A MetService spokesman said although there was minimal risk of widespread severe weather during the weekend, it was likely that road snowfall warnings would be issued for some roads.
A low over the Tasman Sea would cross the North Island on Friday, followed by a narrow ridge of high pressure.
‘‘The low should bring a period of rain and strong cold southerlies to much of the country, and snow to some of the South Island mountains and passes.’’
He said the cold front was expected to move northward over southern and central New Zealand on Saturday, then the remainder of the country on Sunday, followed by a southwesterly flow.
‘‘Another period of rain or showers and strong southerlies is forecast for many areas over the weekend.
‘‘Snow is forecast down to 400 metres over southern New Zealand on Saturday, likely affecting many of the South Island mountains and passes.’’
