Inland farmers with young stock are being warned about the potential for heavy rain and snow over the coming days.

MetService is predicting a mix of rain, snow, and occasional sunshine from today (Thursday) through the weekend.

Cooler temperatures are set to sweep the country heading towards the weekend and into next week, as a reminder of the changeable nature of spring weather.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says rain will make its way north across the South Island, with the heaviest rain expected in the west and lower regions. 

Orange Heavy Rain Warnings have been issued for Fiordland and southern Westland, while Watches cover the ranges of Westland, Otago lakes and river headwaters, and inland Southland.

For tonight (Thursday) and Friday, snow is expected to affect inland South Island areas - forecast for parts of inland Southland, Otago, and Canterbury above 400 metres, with Orange Heavy Snow Warnings in place.

Lighter snowfalls are also possible down to 300 metres, Mmathapelo says.

“Farmers with young stock could be affected by this snow. Additionally, road users should prepare for possible disruptions, as several Road Snowfall Warnings are currently in place.”

With heavy rain followed by snow forecast for Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes Districts overnight tonight, travellers also need to be prepared for the rain and snow on Friday, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

“Please be prepared for winter driving conditions overnight tonight and on Friday,” says NZTA Journey Manager Tresca Forrester. 

“The cold conditions and snow may continue into the weekend.

“People may think it is spring now and warming up, but we still need to be prepared for winter driving – carry tyre chains, expect road restrictions or closures, check NZTA’s journey planner before you set off and have blankets and snacks in the car.

“Late season snow to road level can occur through to early October in the South Island. In many places, NZTA crews have been applying CMA de-icing compound yesterday and today, with snow ploughs and grit teams ready for the night shift tonight.”

Metservice is also predicting another possible round of wet weather and snow for the South Island on Sunday, Mmathepelo says.

“It’s one of those weekends where keeping an eye on the forecast is key, especially if you’ve got outdoor plans, as conditions could shift as the weekend approaches,” she says.

Next week is expected to bring a shift to fresh southwesterly flow, bringing in a spell of chilly weather across the country. 

“There may be a renewed risk of snow for elevated parts of New Zealand, while the rest of us might find ourselves reaching for those cosy jumpers,” she says.

Snow – Burkes Pass and Lindis Pass, SH8, (Fairlie to Twizel, Omarama to Wānaka – Canterbury into Otago), and Mt Cook/Aoraki highway, SH80

Rain is forecast to turn to snow Thursday night. 10-20 cm of snow may accumulate above 500 metres, with lesser amounts down to about 300 metres.

Snow - Southland north of Lumsden, and Otago

Expect 15 to 25 cm of snow to settle above 400 metres from 5pm Thursday overnight to 8am Friday, with lesser amounts down to 300 metres.

Snow - Crown Range Road between Wānaka and Queenstown

Rain is forecast to turn to snow Thursday evening after 7pm. Three to eight cm of snow may accumulate above 500 metres, with lesser amounts down to about 400 metres.

Snow - Milford Road, SH94

Rain is forecast to turn to snow Thursday evening. 1-3 cm may accumulate above about 800 metres.

Heavy Snow Orange Warning – Canterbury High Country south of the Rakaia River

Expect 10 to 20 cm of snow to settle above 400 metres, with lesser amounts down to 300 metres from 3am Friday to 3pm Friday.