Weather
UPDATED:
Heavy Snow Watch lifted for : Inland Southland and Clutha west of Tapanui: The risk of significant snowfall has passed, and the Watch has been lifted.
Brief heavy rain for the South Island West Coast and the Tararua Range, snow for inland Southland and Clutha, and possibly severe gale northwesterlies for inland Canterbury
An active front, preceded by strong northwesterlies and followed by a cold southwest change, is forecast to move north across the South Island tonight (Friday) and Saturday morning, and the North Island during Saturday afternoon and evening.
The front is expected to bring a brief period of heavy rain to western parts of the South Island, and the Tararua Range, and a Heavy Rain Watch remains in force for these areas. This Watch also covers the likelihood of northwest winds rising to severe gale in exposed parts of inland Canterbury.
Additionally, snow is forecast to fall to about 300 metres over parts of the lower South Island with the cold southwest change behind the front early Saturday morning. Snow accumulations may approach warning criteria above 500 metres in parts of inland Southland and Clutha during this time, and a Heavy Snow Watch is in force.
Area: Fiordland
Valid: 6 hours from 9:00pm Friday to 3:00am Saturday
Forecast: A brief period of heavy rain. Rainfall accumulations may approach Warning criteria.
Heavy Snow Watch
Area: Inland Southland and Clutha west of Tapanui
Valid: 5 hours from 1:00am to 6:00am Saturday
Forecast: Snow is expected to briefly lower to 300 metres and accumulations could approach warning criteria above 500 metres.