A series of cold fronts are set to sweep across New Zealand as the weekend approaches, bringing heavy rain, snow, and strong wind to parts of the country.
Heavy rain watches are in force for the headwaters of Otago and Canterbury, as well as for northwest Tasman.
MetService said rainfall could approach warning criteria within 15km east of the Southern Alps’ Main Divide.
Rain began to fall in the far south on Thursday and was expected to spread northward into the evening.
Snow was being forecast around many of the country’s mountain ranges, with levels down to 800m in the North Island and as low as 500m in the Canterbury High Country and Southern Lakes.
Road snowfall warnings were currently in place for the some southern alpine passes on Friday morning, but MetService said more may be issued heading into Saturday and Sunday.
MetService meteorologist Kgolofelo Dube said a new high-pressure system would bring clearer skies to western regions on Saturday — but also a sharp drop in temperatures.
“Some relief is on the way Saturday, with clearer skies expected in western regions. However, this new system will also bring a significant drop in temperatures, with widespread frosts returning across much of the country.”
Settled weather was expected to round out the weekend for many, but a few showers might linger in the eastern North Island.
