Western and northern parts of New Zealand seem to be getting the most settled weather to start off this weekend but a front moves in from the south delivering cold temperatures and a band of showers to southern and eastern districts.

Snow is even in the forecast for the far south and is expected to fall to moderately low levels briefly about higher ground in inland areas.

Cold southerlies are likely to sweep into the deep south tonight with temperatures falling quite quickly and then the cold change will head north along eastern areas tomorrow.

“It doesn’t appear to be hanging around very long” say weather analyst Richard Green, “but it’s enough to make us feel that the fridge door is going to be open for a time” he says.

Temperatures are likely to be about 3-5 degrees below the October norm from Gisborne down to Dunedin tomorrow and some Saturday sporting events could be affected first thing tomorrow..

By Sunday much of the country will see sunshine and milder conditions although a cool start is likely in the south with a chance of frosts.

The first week of the school holidays sees the Spring pattern continue with showery periods in the north and west early next week but drier conditions are anticipated out east for the first few days.