There was a light dusting of snow in parts of the South last night as competing weather systems bring blustery conditions to much of the country.
A Queenstown Lakes District Council spokesman said snow had fallen on the Crown Range Rd and on Coronet Peak overnight but it had been cleared and gritted early this morning.
Snow has also fallen on Milford Rd (SH94) around Homer Tunnel. The route remains open but NZTA Waka Kotahi cautioned that snow clearing equipment could be operating this morning.
A road snowfall warning has been issued for Lewis Pass form 10am Wednesday until 2pm, where snow may settle on higher sections of the pass.
Ice formed on Lindis Pass but had been gritted and the road remains open.
Black ice has also formed on roads throughout Central Otago, prompting police to advise extra care on the roads.
A strong wind watch is in place until 4pm for coastal Clutha and Dunedin south of Otago Peninsula.
In coastal Southland and around Rakiura/Stewart Island, the watch is in place until noon.
Southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane told RNZ two opposing weather systems - a low pressure system just east of the country and then a high pressure system west of the country - are contributing to the strong winds and thunderstorm conditions.
"At the moment things are already starting to get a bit breezy..., as the day goes on we are expecting those winds to ramp up and especially from the afternoon," Makgabutlane says.
Winds in Invercargill were already at about 70km/h.
Makgabutlane said later in the week things would get much warmer.
Dunedin is forecast to reach 19degC on Friday and Saturday with sunny conditions for the long weekend and the official start of winter.
