Punters celebrating Melbourne Cup day around Otago, including at Wingatui today, may need to rethink their attire as snow, severe gales and heavy rain are expected.
Snow has been forecast above 400m from late this morning until late this afternoon, and 4cm-8cm is expected above 700m.
A weather watch for heavy snow is in force.
Severe northwest gales were also possible in eastern areas and rain could reach warning levels about the headwaters of the Otago lakes.
MetService meteorologist Peter Little said road snowfall warnings had been issued for some South Island passes, including State Highway 8 Lindis Pass.
''It's looking like it's going to be a pretty cold event,'' Mr Little said.
''We're going to have some frosts coming through once all the snow has been dealt with.''
Mr Little said the cold snap was unseasonable but not unheard of for November.
