Last Friday saw a blustery southerly hit the east of the South island and Wellington and another one is forecast this afternoon and overnight.

The Capital may not see the same sort of severity overnight but Canterbury and Marlborough should notice a sudden drop in temperature as the front heads north.

Before the cool change hits, temperatures are likely to be up in the mid 20s from Timaru to Blenheim but once the cold air hits, that should fall by 10-15 degrees and overnight with temperatures may approach the freezing mark as the system moves away and skies clear.

Showers of hail are possible and there’s an outside chance of thunder as afternoon heating takes place before the front arrives on the doorstep.