After a considerable dry spell in the lead up to Christmas and also post Christmas, the rain gods were smiling a little yesterday over much of Otago and Southland.

Falls did vary over both provinces with some isolated heavy falls recorded interspersed with lighter falls and dry spells.

In some cases the dry ground struggled to absorb some impressive totals and run off did occur but in the main the rain was welcome by many, apart from a few holidaymakers.

This weekend the weather is still expected to be changeable in the south with the more settled day likely to be today with just one or 2 showers expected however the cold sou’ west change with a wintry mix are still expected to move through tomorrow.

Temperatures are still likely to be up to 7 or 8 degrees below average for Sunday as the winds pick up with boisterous showers and hail likely to spread throughout much of the lower half of the South Island. The mercury is going to find it tough going to make the teens tomorrow and that includes much of Central Otago and the Southern Lakes District as well.

The cold change is likely to head north over eastern parts of Canterbury later in the day or tomorrow night.