New Zealand is set for a sharp change in weather this week, with temperatures expected to plunge, along with wetter and windier conditions and the possibility of snow in parts of the South Island.
According to a report by 1News, the warmer spring weather recently experienced across eastern parts of the South Island is expected to give way to "noticeably cooler and wetter weather" as a cold front moves north from Wednesday.
Christchurch, Ashburton, Timaru and Oamaru could see temperatures fall from highs in the low 20s on Tuesday to around 10C or below by Thursday.
Meteorologist Maddy Neal said, "despite being well into spring, winter isn't quite finished with us yet," 1News has quoted.
"Moisture drawn down from the north will move over a layer of colder air near the surface, creating a setup that is favourable for large amounts of snow at higher elevations.
"This may affect some of the higher roads in the south on Wednesday and Thursday, so keep an eye out for road snow warnings," she said, as quoted by 1News.
Ahead of the front, north-westerly winds are expected to strengthen across the South Island, bringing "warmer air and a spring feeling".
Temperatures are forecast to reach the low 20s in eastern parts of the South Island before the colder conditions arrive.
"As the front reaches Te Waipounamu (the South Island) on Tuesday, heavy rain is expected for western areas, with a heavy rain watch in force between 5pm Tuesday to midday Wednesday for Fiordland," 1News has quoted.
Neal said most of the country would remain settled initially, with only isolated showers expected over the South Island's West Coast, Auckland, Northland and eastern Bay of Plenty.
"Much of the week for the North Island is dry, albeit with a few areas of cloud, but sunny spells will dominate the weather until Thursday, when the cold front arrives," as quoted by 1News.
The front is expected to continue moving north through Wednesday and Thursday, bringing rain and stronger winds to much of the country.
"The front is expected to reach Northland during the second half of Thursday, and by Friday the system gradually weakens over the upper north," she said, 1News has quoted.