An unseasonable cold blast is set to chill the bottom of the South Island later this week, MetService says.
MetService Weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt says a southwest outbreak is expected over southern New Zealand on Friday.
"This wintry blast is likely to bring snow to low levels in Fiordland, Southland and possibly South Otago during Friday and early Saturday," Mr McDavitt said. "For a time, the southwest winds are expected to be very strong, so that wind chill may also be a significant feature of this event".
Farmers and travellers in southern New Zealand are advised to prepare for this sudden change to harsh conditions, he said.
From Friday and into the weekend, westerlies should sweep across the remainder of New Zealand as well.
