Conditions look to be easing after a wintry blast hammered some parts of Otago and Southland this morning, but a ''very cold'' night is on the way for the South.
Some areas had snow this morning, which forced the closure of some schools in West Otago and affected roads throughout the lower part of the island.
Blue Mountain College and Tapanui School were closed owing to the wintry blast.
West Otago Community Board chairwoman Barbara Hanna said the snow was a few inches thick but appeared to be going away as the morning progressed.
It was "not a huge dumping'' but enough to make driving risky and dangerous. She believed there was a heavier amount of snow closer to Raes Junction and Crookston. It had also snowed near Heriot.
There was the possibility of heavy snow showers affecting inland Southland and Otago south of Alexandra, "especially parts of Dunedin and Clutha Districts".
The heaviest snow was likely to fall along narrow paths possibly as low as 100m above sea level.
MetService duty meteorologist April Clark said the cold front was moving fast so conditions would ease this afternoon as it moved north and tapered off.
``We have had reports of snow to 200m about 1cm to 2cm but it will be brief and the snow level will rise and it will turn into those slushy showers. It will be on and off and it's not going to be solid rain.''
Auckland experienced a balmy 8C overnight, Hamilton 3.2, Tauranga 6.1, Wellington 6.6, Christchurch 1.2C, Dunedin 4.7 - 0.2 at the airport - and Invercargill dropped to 3.1C.
Ms Clark said North Island temperatures should be similar tonight, thanks to cloudy skies, but would drop markedly in the South Island. Alexandra is forecast to get to -3, and Wanaka -3.4C.
``Christchurch might not get quite as cold as inland areas including the McKenzie Country and inland Central Otago. They will get very cold tonight.''
Earlier, MetService said occasional snow showers were likely to affect the summit of Dunedin's Northern Motorway into this afternoon. Until 4pm, 1cm to 2cm of snow may accumulate on the road above 300 metres. However, there remained a low chance of heavier snowfalls between about 10am and 3pm when up to 5cm of snow could accumulate.
- Check NZTA road conditions here
The NZ Transport Agency this morning warned of snow and ice on several roads, but this afternoon said conditons had eased, and all southern highways were open.
The Clutha District Council issued a warning for travellers to adjust their driving to take the weather conditions into account. "Take extra attention, slow down, watch your following distances.''
At the top of the Dunrobin hill there was approximately 20cm of snow and it continued to fall. The council said the road was passable, but probably by 4WD vehicles only. This indicated that Moa Flat and Wilden Roads were in the same condition.
The council said while its contractors would work to alleviate the hazards on roads by gritting and snow clearing, it was important to drive to the conditions and avoid any unnecessary travel.
Caution was advised in Manuherikia and Maniototo areas in Central Otago due to snow and ice. Grit trucks and snow ploughs were being used.
The Danseys Pass Road was closed.
Black ice in Queenstown
In Queenstown black ice had formed on Cardrona Valley Road and in Fernhill this morning. Chains must be carried on the Crown Range, the Queenstown Lakes District Council said.
There were wet roads throughout the district and ice was expected to form in most places. Grit had been applied, but drivers should watch their speeds and following distances.
A snow warning had been lifted for the Milford Road.
- staff reporters
