New Zealanders are in for an unsettled start to the upcoming school holidays, with rain, strong winds and potentially heavy snow forecast over the coming days.
Much of the country basked in pleasant blue-sky conditions on Thursday, but MetService said a series of cold fronts would bring a change in conditions heading into the weekend.
MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris told 1News some showers were expected on Friday and Saturday, but neither day was likely to cause significant disruption.
Sunday was expected to bring the worst of the conditions as a front moved up the country.
A short burst of potentially heavy snow was forecast for Central Otago, Southern Lakes and the Mackenzie Country on Sunday, while heavy rain was forecast to move up the South Island and onto the North Island during the afternoon.
“It’s going to be brief, but heavy,” Ferris warned.
“It’s not like we’re going to see sort of long-lasting impacts from rain. It might just be the case of having to duck and cover for a little bit as that passes over.”
Potential disruptions to travel
Strong winds were also expected on Sunday, with northwesterlies strengthening around Cook Strait and southern parts of Hawke’s Bay potentially seeing some of the stronger gusts.
Ferris said people travelling across mountain passes and exposed roads should travel with caution, with the possibility of disruptions due to heavy wind and rain.
"That Sunday weather could have an impact on travel,” he said.
“You wouldn’t want to be out riding a motorcycle or driving a campervan, just with the potential for the big gusts on Sunday."
Snow could also affect roads through inland parts of the southern South Island.
Ferris said people travelling over the weekend should stay up to date with the latest MetService forecasts.
Finer conditions for next week
The unsettled weather was expected to be relatively short-lived, Ferris said, with high pressure in the Tasman Sea helping conditions settle from Monday onwards.
Monday through Wednesday were currently looking largely fine, although some showers could remain around the south and west of the South Island.
Another frosty morning was also possible in parts of both islands on Monday.
Ferris said the sudden cold snap was a reminder that despite the longer spring days, winter-like conditions could still make an appearance.
"We're just kind of getting into that time of year where maybe you don't expect them so much," he said.
"Now that we're seeing these longer days, we do still have those touches of winter."
SHARE ME