Weather: MetService warns of 'coldest morning of the year' on Wednesday as icy front move up the motu

28/03/2023
Seni Iasona

Snow has fallen and temperatures have dropped as a cold front moves up the South Island, and MetService warns Wednesday morning could be "the coldest morning of the year so far".

MetService meteorologist Andrew James told Newshub Kiwi across the country will feel temperatures drop as the cold front moves across the motu, with snow already falling in the South.

"It is the first cold outbreak of the season," James said.

"We've had reports of snow down to about 500 metres in central parts of Central Otago and Southland."

In an update provided by Waka Kotahi on Tuesday afternoon, it said snow began falling between Tekapo and Fairlie, through Burkes Pass on SH58 late on Tuesday morning.

Waka Kotahi journey manager Tresca Forrester urged road users to take care "given few people are expected to be well prepared".

"We are hopeful this snow may not last too long given its unseasonability: please drive to the wintry conditions, reduce speed and avoid reactive movements, allow four seconds between your vehicle and the one in front for stopping distance."

The front will bring snow to some parts of the South Island and possibly strong winds to other regions.

"People right across the South Island tomorrow morning will wake up to probably the coldest morning of the year so far."

MetService has issued a strong wind watch for Coastal Marlborough including the Sounds from 9am Tuesday to 2am Wednesday, Wellington is also under a strong wind watch from 1pm Tuesday to 2am Wednesday. Bank Penisula is under a strong wind watch from 8am Tuesday to 9pm Tuesday.

Road snowfall warnings have also been issued by MetService. Desert Rd is under a snowfall warning from 1am Wednesday to 8am Wednesday, Lewis Pass from 1am Wednesday to 11am Wednesday, Arthur's Pass from 10pm Tuesday to 10am Wednesday and Porter's Pass from 10am Tuesday to 10am Wednesday.