Spring takes a break as mini cold snap hits

More snow is expected to fall near sea level in Southland and Otago later this week. Photo / Otago Daily Times

Don't mothball your winter clothes, the cold season is not over yet, the MetService warns.

The cold front forecast to sweep across the South Island on Thursday was expected to bring a short but sharp return to wintry weather, MetService weather spokesman Bob McDavitt said.

Some snow was likely to near sea level over Southland and Otago on Thursday, and on the Kaikoura coast overnight Thursday.

During Friday, snow may fall to around 300-500 metres over the south of the North Island.

The cold snap was unlikely to be as severe as the mid-August big freeze, but it was happening further into lambing season.

"The snow is more likely to be wet than dry, and this, combined with the wind-chill, is stressful to new-born livestock," Mr McDavitt said.

Conditions would clear for the weekend.

- NZPA