Temps to plummet as sea level snow forecast down south

South Islanders are already well into spring, but heavy snow, rain and cold temperatures are forecast as an "icy blast" moves in over the next few days.

Several weather warnings and watches have been issued by MetService, as an active front approaches from the Tasman Sea, including orange heavy rain and heavy wind warnings.

MetService forecasters said that warm mid-week temperatures will give "way to a chilly blast that is expected to bring unseasonable cold and snow to low levels on Friday for the South Island."

In a tweet, the agency said: "It may be spring but there is heavy Snow and cold temperatures in the forecast for the South Island areas of Southland, Clutha, Dunedin, Central Otago and Southern Lakes late Thursday into Friday."

"Lighter snow is even possible to sea level!"

Meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said in a media release that "it will feel like someone has turned the dial back to winter mode" for some areas.

“Temperatures rise to the mid to upper-20s on Wednesday and Thursday for the eastern stretch of the country. Christchurch, Kaikōura, Napier and Hastings could see some of their warmest temperatures this spring on Thursday," she said.

"The truly changeable nature of spring is on full display from Thursday to Friday, as the next approaching weather system comes through with a contrasting cold blast.

“It will feel like someone has turned the dial back to winter mode.

"Dunedin, for example, goes from a warm 21 degrees maximum on Thursday to just an eight degrees high on Friday – a very noticeable change!"

The bitterly cold southwesterly flow also brings snow showers to much of the South Island on Friday, even falling near sea level in Southland and coastal Otago, including Clutha, MetService said.

“This may have an impact on livestock and farmers are encouraged to take advantage of the next few days to prepare accordingly. Travel may also be impacted on Friday as widespread snow showers are expected across the South Island,” Makgabutlane said.

"In addition to the icy blast, the weather system brings a dousing of heavy rain to the western South Island and strong winds for much of the South Island and lower North Island on Thursday and Friday."

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'Bitterly cold' flow could bring snow to low levels down south

There is potential for strong wind and rain across much of the country this week.

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October 23, 2023

Road snowfall warnings have been issued on Lewis Pass (SH7), Arthur's Pass (SH73), Lindis Pass (SH8), Crown Range Road, Hasst Pass (SH6), Milford road (SH94) and the Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1).

The warnings apply for different periods on each road between Thursday and Friday.