Another cold snap is coming for some parts of the country this weekend and early next week as a high from this week moves off the country before the next one can take its place.

WeatherWatch.co.nz forecasters say the shape of next week’s high pressure system will help feed a very cold southerly for January across southern and eastern parts of both islands, especially Southland, Otago and Wellington.

The weather news authority says on Sunday and Monday some parts of Southland will struggle to even climb into double digits.

Snow is also likely down to about 1000 to 1500 metres on the Southern Alps adding to the chill in the air.

In the North Island the cold southerly will hit Wellington by next Monday then move up Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay before quickly fading on Tuesday. 

Overall the rest of the country may be a degree or two cooler but the coldest air will remain around Southland, Otago and Wellington, regions that are more exposed to the southerly.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says the cold snap will be short lived – with an even larger high pushing in by next Tuesday and covering much of the country for next week.

A third high will then move in towards the last few days of January, this time, like many of the other summer highs have done, it will track over the lower South Island.  This could make the upper North Island more vulnerable to easterlies and showers in the last few days of January – returning to the same pattern we saw in December and the start of January.

– Homepage image / File, Wellington south coast David Shone

– WeatherWatch.co.nz