A fast-moving cold blast has hit New Zealand on Saturday, leaving behind "winter-like temperatures" in the South Island as it moves up the country.
Saturday sees a cold front moving up New Zealand with a cooler change behind it but this front falls apart as it moves into the very upper North Island. On Sunday high pressure expands across the country although early morning cloud and maybe a few showers are possible in the very north of NZ. On Monday and Tuesday sub-tropical winds return warming things up for many - ahead of a cooler change in the south of NZ later next week.
"A front is making its way northwards over New Zealand today leaving another cold airmass in its wake," MetService says.
"This is a fast-moving feature and will end just south of Auckland by tonight."
NIWA says it's going to be windy in the South Island and lower North Island, with westerlies becoming southerly.
There will also be "winter-like temperatures" in the South Island, arriving in the lower/eastern North Island on Sunday.
Rain radar shows the front bringing rain to northern Westland, and Buller across to Canterbury.
"Severe weather watches are in force for wind, rain and snow along the South Island currently as the front leaves another cold airmass in its wake," MetService says.
Rain radar showing the front bringing rain to northern Westland, Buller across to Canterbury. This is a fast moving feature and will end just south of Auckland by tonight. Here's a link if you want to track the front as it heads north today https://t.co/prKU7O2R01 ^KL pic.twitter.com/v7m2mYQAim
— MetService (@MetService) October 4, 2019
Road snowfall warnings have been issued for Lewis Pass, Arthur's Pass, Porters Pass, Lindis Pass, Crown Range Rd, and Milford Rd.
