Snow warning for Wairarapa

Last year, snow on the Rimutaka Hill Rd forced several closures.

Snow is expected to fall on the higher parts of Wairarapa later today and overnight, and it may cause disruptions on the Rimutaka Hill Road.

Metservice forecaster David Miller said heavy snowfalls were expected down to 400m which would knock out the Rimutaka Hill Road.

This would impact between 6pm and midday Tuesday with accumulations of between 10cm and 20cm.

" Lesser amounts could accumulate down to 300m," he said.

Mr Miller said the likely weather pattern for the valley floor was to be hit with cold showers and sleet with temperatures plummeting to zero at ground level.

Heavy snow on the roads is likely to cause major disruption to traffic and make driving conditions hazardous, especially about higher mountain roads and passes.

Strong southerlies along with the cold temperatures will make the wind feel bitterly cold.

Farmers are advised that stock may need shelter.

The heaviest snow in Wairarapa, south of Masterton, is expected during Tuesday morning when 10cm could accumulate in 6 hours.

It is expected to be a bitterly cold week, Metservice said, thanks to an Antarctic southerly flow of air spilling across Aotearoa.

This means there will be some frigid days and very chilly nights. Wintry showers are also in the mix, especially for the eastern parts of the North Island.