Chilling winds to freeze the south

Residents of Southland and south Otago have been warned to brace themselves for a chilly change in the weather today.

MetService meteorologists are warning that the conditions are likely to be very stressful for stock, especially any lambs born tonight or on Sunday.

Spokesman Bob McDavitt said a deep low passing to the south of New Zealand was dragging air from Antarctica on to the south coast.

"By Saturday night brief snow showers are expected to develop about higher parts of Southland and in the Catlins area, and may also affect some of the mountain roads such as the Milford road and Arthurs Pass road," he said.

"Anyone working outdoors or travelling about the south coast will need to brace for the chill in the gales that follow the cold front," Mr McDavitt said.

"The wind will literally blow heat from your body so that it will feel as though it's freezing."

The chilly weather is not expected to ease significantly until Monday morning.

- NZPA