Cold winds to chill weekend

Bitterly cold southerlies are expected to sweep over the country this weekend, bringing cold winds and wintry showers.

However, Auckland won't be as badly affected as southern regions, the MetService's Bob McDavitt said yesterday.

"It will be a showery weekend for Auckland but without the cold ... and some fresh westerly winds."

He said weekend temperatures in Auckland would be fairly level due to cloud cover.

"But if you are travelling south of Taupo, double check you have the latest updates because it's a changing situation and that's where the cold will be."

In the South Island, a bitterly cold southwesterly wind coming directly from the sub-Antarctic is likely to bring snow to Southland and Otago.

"These conditions may reach the central North Island on Sunday, and by Monday there is a risk that the flow will turn more southerly bringing very cold, showery conditions to all eastern parts and to Wellington." Mr McDavitt said the wind chill associated with the coming blast would stress new-born animals caught in the open.

"The snow may not be huge but will be a welcome top-up for skifields especially those in Otago," he said.

"Over the next few days many people may experience the coldest outbreak of their winter. Our forecasters will be keeping a close watch on this changing situation, so please check that you have the latest weather update."