The cold change predicted to arrive on Sunday looks set to knock temperatures down even further as air from near Antarctica is yet again dredged up northwards.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says the wintry snap this weekend isn’t at the major even of the scale, but severe weather is expected in the form of wind chill, gales and heavy snow for some areas above 200m.

“There is a chance we may see some snow going to low levels around Dunedin on Sunday” says weather analyst Aaron Wilkinson.  “Dunedin has a high of just six on Sunday with wintry showers to sea level and a few snow flurries possible for the higher suburbs”. 

Mr Wilkinson says hail and wintry showers will then push into Christchurch.  “The high for Christchurch on Sunday is seven degrees with hail, sleet possible and some snow to low levels around the city.  But long dry spells can also be expected”.

Head weather analyst Philip Duncan says the cold air is the main feature, with the forecast not calling for a lot of precipitation.  “This isn’t a major system, it’s fairly short and sharp – bringing only 24 to 36 hours of wintry weather before a high moves in from the Tasman”.

Mr Duncan says farmers should be prepared for heavier snow falls in the ranges of both islands, with snow also falling above 400m in the lower North Island by late Sunday as a gale southerly arrives.

“The wind chill will be signfiicant for some centres and farms, dropping well below zero for some expoxsed areas which will cause stress on stock”.

Snow may again close the Desert Road on Sunday night and Monday – but for the most part snow shouldn’t cause too many major headaches predicts WeatherWatch.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz