Cold change coming

A very cold southerly flow is expected to make its way onto New Zealand from late Thursday and cover much of the country during Friday and Saturday.

"This will bring more wintry conditions to much of New Zealand than have been experienced for several weeks", commented Peter Kreft of MetService. "From late Thursday, snow showers to low levels are expected in southern Fiordland, Southland and Otago. On Friday and Saturday, snow is expected as low as 300 to 500 metres from Canterbury to Wairarapa."

"The combination of cold winds and showers of rain or snow is a threat to livestock. Farmers in the east and south of both islands should consider sheltering vulnerable animals."

Mr Kreft added that snow is likely to affect driving conditions on some higher roads in the east and south of the South Island, and possibly the central North Island plateau, at some point over the next few days."Motorists should keep up to date with latest weather and road conditions."