Batten down the hatches again.
MetService is forecasting possible snow, thunderstorms and severe gales, which are expected to bring chilly temperatures to many parts of Otago and Southland today.
Meteorologist Alwyn Bakker said a cold front would move over the country this morning, bringing a period of possible severe gale west-to-northwest winds to exposed parts of inland Otago and Southland, and then west-to-southwest winds reaching severe gale about coastal parts of Dunedin, Clutha and Southland behind the front this afternoon.
Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures, and driving may be hazardous, he said.
The cold front was also expected to bring heavy rain this morning, which would fall as snow down to 500m inland, and thunderstorms.
‘‘Cold air in the upper atmosphere then moves over the lower South Island, with a moderate risk of thunderstorms continuing about southern Fiordland, Stewart Island and coastal parts of Southland and Clutha.
‘‘These thunderstorms may produce localised rainfall rates of 10mm to 20mm per hour, strong wind gusts of 90kmh and small hail.
‘‘On Saturday afternoon, the moderate risk of thunderstorms continues over southern Fiordland and coastal parts of Southland and Clutha, but gradually eases during the afternoon.’’
MetService has issued road snowfall warnings for the Lindis Pass (SH8), Crown Range Rd and Milford Rd (SH94).
Mr Bakker advised Otago and Southland residents to stay up to date with the latest forecasts in case any watches were upgraded to warnings, or further areas were added.
Tomorrow would be mainly fine, and he expected next week to get off to a warm start as northerly gales bring temperatures as high as 16degC in Dunedin, Alexandra and Oamaru on Monday.
