21-Aug-2006
Brief Snowy Southerly
Very cold southerlies are spreading over the South Island.
MetService meteorologists have issued a heavy snow warning for southern parts of the South Island this afternoon and
Canterbury and Kaikoura Coast tonight. The southerlies will also be spreading onto the North Island tonight, bringing
rain laced with hail and then some snow on the higher roads.
"Snow started falling to near sea level in Southland this morning and is moving into Otago," commented MetService
Weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt. "When the wind flow over Canterbury swings southerly this afternoon the air will
become cold enough to allow showers of snow to fall as far as sea level during the night. The snow will be heavy in some
places from the foothills to the coast, especially about Banks Peninsula."
These conditions will bring hazardous driving conditions and be very stressful on any newly-born animals caught in the
open. Anyone travelling or working outdoors tonight should check that they have the latest forecast.
This snowy southerly is going to be brief. By the end of Tuesday winds are forecast to ease and clouds clear as the cold
southerlies move away.
ENDS