Southerly change brings dramatic drop in temperatures, snow

A southerly change has blown away the searing heat felt earlier this week throughout the South Island.

It comes after a wave of 30-plus deg C temperatures, tinder-dry grass feeding fires and thunderstorms.

MetService forecaster Andy Best said the southerly change will see temperatures in the mid-teens through to the weekend.

The week will close out on a chilly note with a 20 deg C plummet in temperature.

Best said Friday will dawn fine, but southwesterly winds will drive the mercury down, with a high of just 16 deg C expected in Christchurch.

Fresh snow could be seen on Mt Hutt on Friday morning.