A MetService spokesman said a moist north to northwest flow would strengthen across New Zealand on Thursday ahead of an active front approaching from the southwest.
“The front moves northeast across the country on Friday, followed by a southwest change.
“Another active front, preceded by strengthening north-to-northwest winds is forecast to approach the South Island from the southwest late Saturday, and move up the country on Sunday.”
He said the fronts were expected to deliver periods of heavy rain to many parts of New Zealand.
It was very likely “warning amounts” of rain would fall in Clutha, Southland, Fiordland, Westland and the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers on Thursday and Friday, and on Sunday.
As well as heavy rain, it was also highly likely north-northwest winds would approach severe gale at times in exposed parts of Fiordland, Southland, Otago and Canterbury on Thursday, Friday and Sunday, he said.
Any remaining showers and strong winds were expected to clear on Saturday, before returning on Sunday.
Snow for alpine roads
Snow would continue to affect some alpine roads in the South Island today and tomorrow.
MILFORD ROAD (State highway 94)
The Milford Road was closed overnight due to snow, but reopened about 9am today. MetService says from 11am until 12am tomorrow a few snow showers may affect the road this morning and early afternoon, with 1 cm or less of snow expected to settle. Another period of snow was expected in the evening, where 2cm to 4cm of snow may settle above about 800 metres.
CROWN RANGE ROAD
A few snow flurries were possible this morning, but snow is no longer expected to settle.
LEWIS PASS (SH 7)
Snow may briefly affect the Lewis Pass from 12pm until 3pm today, where 1cm of snow may settle above 600 metres. Further snow may briefly affect the road early tomorrow morning.
PORTERS PASS (SH 73)
From 10am until 2pm today: Snow may affect the road this morning and afternoon. Expect 3cm to 5cm of snow to settle on the road above 700 metres with lesser amounts to 500 metres.
ARTHUR'S PASS (SH 73)
From 1am until 5am on Thursday: Snow may affect higher parts of the road overnight on Wednesday, where 2 to 4cm of snow may settle near the summit with lesser amounts to 700 metres.
Meanwhile snow was no longer expected for the Haast Pass (SH 6) and the Lindis Pass (SH 8).
