KEY POINTS:
The southern ski fields are expected to be doused with a good dusting of snow tomorrow, a month out from the opening of the ski season.
The MetService today issued a heavy snow warning for the hills of northern Southland, inland Otago, and south Canterbury.
Heavy rain is already falling in Fiordland and southern Westland, MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt said.
A cold front is expected to arrive tomorrow and move northeast over the South, reaching Canterbury in the afternoon.
The heaviest snowfalls are expected above 700 metres, with lighter falls possible to 300 metres.
Mr McDavitt said the Otago ski fields should benefit to the tune of around 20cm of snow.
The snow was expected to return to rain on Friday.
Drivers should take care on the Milford Road and Lindis Pass.
The ski season opening date varies between ski fields, but most are due to open in the last week of June.
- NZPA
