11-Aug-2005
Here Comes More Snow
MetService meteorologists are forecasting that the low-pressure system moving onto New Zealand this weekend is likely to
bring some much needed snow to the South Island ski fields.
"Winter is finally about to make an impact," commented MetService Weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt. "The cold air that
affected Australia earlier this week is moving in from the west on Friday and Saturday. This brought Melbourne its
largest snowfall in the past twenty years."
McDavitt added that the coldest air should be over the South Island on Sunday. "We are forecasting some snow settling
down to 400 metres for the hills around Dunedin, and to 500 metres about Banks Peninsula. Snow may also affect travel on
the Rimutaka and Desert Roads on Sunday night.
Since winter has been so mild so far, this cold snap may come as a bit of a surprise to many. Anyone planning activities
in the open should take the time to prepare for some severe wind chill and keep in touch with the latest MetService
weather updates."
The cold air will have cleared Australia in time for first Bledisloe test at Sydney on Saturday evening between the
Wallabies and All Blacks. The game forecast is for fine clear conditions, light west to southwest winds and an air
temperature of around ten degrees.
ENDS