MetService says it’s time to start “digging out those thermals” as a cold front is bringing plunging temperatures to many across the country from today.
Disruptions have already begun with “very rough” sea conditions forcing the cancellation of Cook Strait ferry sailings this weekend.
MetService meteorologist Heather Keats told Breakfast the cold was going to be “quite a shock to the system”.
“So we’ve got this south-easterly flow that’s going to turn southerly. That’s going to spread all over the country today [and] tomorrow, it won’t really start to ease until Sunday,” she said.
“When you’ve got the source here being from the south, it’s going to be cold and then when you have a massive low which we do hanging out east, that’s going to be the driving force of the rain front today, which is going to push onto the South Island.”
She said there would be “snow, and plenty of it”.
MetService meteorologist Heather Keats says temperatures are set to plummet across the country. (Source: Breakfast)
Heavy snow warnings and watches have been issued through to Saturday, as well as heavy swell warnings and road snowfall warnings, particularly for the South Island passes.
“Inland areas of Canterbury and Marlborough today are going to get about heavy snow above 400m,” Keats said.
“Tomorrow there is more snow as well. And also to about 800m for the North island tomorrow — so there’s a good chance these watches and warnings will be extended or other regions added to it, and yeah windy as well.”
Keats said many in the South Island would be waking today and “feeling the change”.
She singled out Christchurch for its particularly chilly overnight temperature of -1.4C.
“Hasting’s high tomorrow 11C, Masterton’s high 9C, Christchurch’s high on Sunday only 7C. But spare a thought for Wanaka, whose high on Sunday is only 3C and their low is -5C.
“And yes, all those numbers too for those spots are well below average for this time of year.”
“It is going to be cold,” she emphasised. “Not just the overnight lows either, cold during the day so digging out those thermals.”
“This is going to be disruptive snow. So road snowfall warnings for pretty much all the passes in the South Island, not great for livestock as it’s the first big dump of the season.
“But that’s really great news for the ski fields which are about to open in the next couple of weeks, so it’s great for their base,” she said.
Keats said there was “some good news” as a ridge of high pressure would move over the country early next week on Monday and Tuesday.
Heavy swells force ferry cancellations
Interislander has cancelled all passenger sailings for Saturday due to forecasted high winds and “very rough sea conditions” in Cook Strait.
“All passengers are being moved to alternative sailings,” it said on its website.
Bluebridge has also canned sailings on Saturday and one on Sunday morning.
“We are monitoring the situation closely, and if further sailings are impacted, we will notify you via text and email at the earliest opportunity,” it said online.
Snow closes Otago highway
Snowfall caused the closure of State Highway 87 between Mosgiel and Kyeburn, northwest of Dunedin, on Friday afternoon, according to NZTA Waka Kotahi.
The road would be closed until further notice.
“Snow falling elsewhere in Otago and around the South Island means motorists need to exercise caution on the roads and plan ahead.”
Full list of watches and warnings
Heavy Snow Warning – Orange
Inland Canterbury, from the Rangitata River southwards – 15 hours from 3pm today.
Heavy Snow Watch
Inland areas of Canterbury and Marlborough between the Rakaia River and Ward – 17 hours from 4pm today.
Queenstown Lakes District – 7 hours from 3pm to 10pm today.
Central Otago – 8 hours from 2pm to 10pm today.
Strong Wind Watch
Westland District – 15 hours from 6pm today.
Chatham Islands – 13 hours from 2pm tomorrow to 3am Sunday.
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Road Snowfall Warning
Desert Road (SH1) – 10 hours from 5am today.
Lewis Pass (SH7) – 16 hours from 5pm today.
Arthur’s Pass (SH73) – 16 hours from 4pm today.
Porters Pass (SH73) – 19 hours from 4pm today.
Haast Pass (SH6) – 4 hours from 8pm to midnight tonight.
Lindis Pass (SH8) – 9 hours from 4pm today.
Crown Range Rd – 6 hours from 4pm to 10pm tonight.
Milford Road (SH94) – 5 hours from 4pm to 9pm tonight.
Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1) – 11 hours from 1pm to midnight tonight.
Heavy Swell Warning
Wellington – Cape Terawhiti to Turakirae Head – 19 hours from 11am tomorrow until 6am Sunday.
Wairarapa – Turakirae Head to Mataikona – 15 hours from midday tomorrow until 3am Sunday.
