Wet and windy weather is forecast to make a return in time for the school holidays according to MetService, putting an end to the recent clear skies for most of the country.
A front is pushing onto Fiordland on Friday afternoon, which MetService said is likely to cause more warnings to be issued in the coming days as the front moves to the North Island on Saturday.
Colder air is set to then push behind the front with a low-pressure system developing alongside it, which is forecast to bring rain for “most of the country” through Sunday and into Monday.
Snow will then begin to fall to lower levels, and has the potential to affect South Island alpine areas and road passes for the start of the school holidays.
MetService meteorologist Braydon White said these conditions arriving in time for the school holidays provides “a great opportunity to take the kids up the road for a wonderful snow day”.
“However, keep an eye out for any road snowfall warnings which bay be issued from Sunday onwards.”
MetService meteorologist Heather Keats told Breakfast a front was arriving overnight, and would roll up the South Island. (Source: Breakfast)
Slow-moving low pressure system
At the start of next week, MetService said the low-pressure system will become slow moving, bringing strong southeasterlies and a prolonged period of rain for central New Zealand.
People were encouraged to check up to date forecasts for this period, as the details of where the rain and wind will be the strongest is not yet clear.
In recent days, both New Zealand Transport Agency and South Island police have warned about icy road conditions in parts of the South Island, which were expected to last until midday today.
1News also spoke to a road safety expert this week about important tips to help keep your vehicle and driving safer this winter.
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