Snow expected in Southland

A sharp cold snap will whip around the country's deep south today, threatening newborn livestock, the MetService warns.

Heavy snowfalls are likely in low areas of Fiordland for much of the day.

From about midday bitterly cold southwesterlies with squally showers should spread over Southland and Otago, MetService said.

Snow showers were also expected to fall to about 300m in many parts of Southland and Otago this afternoon and to near sea level in Southland and Clutha tonight.

MetService said the combination of snow and strong colds southwesterlies would put stress on newborn livestock.

- NZPA