A low pressure centre is moving southeastwards and an accompanying cold front has been crossing the country today and is currently located over East Cape in the north eastern North Island.

The country is about to experience colder winds. Southerly gales are expected in coastal areas of Southland and Otago. The winds will also bring briefly heavy rainfall and mountain snow accumulation in Southland and Otago.

Snow accumulation above 10cm is possible in the area above about 600m. This may impact Alpine Highways.

A small low pressure and cyclonic circulation will be formed off the western coastline of the South Island and march northwards followed by another period of locally heavy rain associated with this disturbance on the West Coast and Tasman on Sunday night.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz