Early October Snow For The Lower South Island
Cold polar air is on track for the South Island, especially for Southland and Otago over Tuesday afternoon/evening and Wednesday morning. This burst of polar air from the southwest will bring snow to low levels in a short 11 hour period starting 9pm Tuesday until 8am Wednesday. Freezing level will be at its lowest overnight on Wednesday. Wind gusts could reach 80km/h for Inland areas of Otago and Southland with Coastal Southland, Fiordland and Steward Island have increased significant wind gusts. With increased wind gusts, wind chill temperatures could feel much like sub-zero temperatures. This will be a significant risk for farmers especially those in the process of lambing.
Wind chill temperature at surface level
Snow will start to settle at higher altitudes (above 700m) around early evening for Southland and Fiordland and Clutha before progressing into the remainder of Otago late evening and into early morning. Snow is forecasted to lower to 300-400m between the the hours of 12am and 7am. While the coldest air is forecasted after this time period there is likely to be minimal precipitation. Snowfall accumulations is not expected to become significant with snow flurries reaching lower levels overnight. For further information including snow accumulations please scroll down to visit our SnowCast page which is now available for FREE.
Rain and snow map (rain = blue & Snow = Green)
