A glimpse of spring

University of Otago student Laura Waretini, 20, admires blossoms at the university campus during an unusually fine spell of winter weather yesterday.

The fine day also encouraged Sandra Dingwall to take Millie for a walk in Wycolla Ave, St Clair, Dunedin, where the blossom is in full bloom.

The MetService reported the temperature in Dunedin at 2pm yesterday was 16.9°C.

The warm weather is expected to last through the weekend before single-digit highs return next week, when a polar blast is expected to bring snow to 400-500m in the South Island early next week.

"We’re not out of winter just yet," MetService forecaster John Law said.

"We may be lulled into a false sense of security with some of those high temperatures we’ll see over the next couple of days."

Those planning to use the mountain passes next week should watch the forecast, Mr Law said.