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Guy Fawkes night celebrations could be a fizzer for large parts of the country as severe winds, rain and bitter cold are forecast to hit south and central areas tomorrow.
The MetService today issued a severe weather warning for wind and rain associated with the passage of a cold front across the South Island during Tuesday.
MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said there was also a severe weather watch for possible snow in the southern South Island later tomorrow.
"Similar to last Saturday", said Mr McDavitt, "Rain is forecast to be briefly heavy in western areas of the South Island. It is also likely to be very windy from Tuesday afternoon to early Wednesday, especially in exposed eastern parts from Canterbury to Wairarapa, and in Wellington."
He said the weather following the front was likely to be unseasonable, with cold conditions for a few days.
"A bitter southerly change is likely to spread over the far south on Tuesday afternoon or evening, and snow showers are likely to low levels on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning."
Strong winds, which will make the air feel very cold, are forecast for Guy Fawkes night over much of the country.
- NZPA