Winter Chill

Winter Chill

The blast of Antarctic air which has blown over New Zealand for the last couple of days, bringing snow and icy conditions to many, eases during Thursday and Friday. A ridge of high pressure is going to move over from the Tasman Sea, bringing drier and sunnier conditions. The light winds and clear skies overnight however will lead to cold mornings right across New Zealand.

"The South Island escapes the punishing southerlies first" said Meteorologist Rob Kerr "as the ridge creeps over Southland and Otago from late Thursday. The rest of the South Island is under the ridge by late Friday and the whole country during Saturday" said Kerr. Relief from the showers and wind will not bring respite from the cold temperatures though, with single digit highs expected for most of central and southern New Zealand right through the weekend. "Despite a return to some winter sunshine in many central and eastern places, extreme frosts are likely around inland South Island areas, with frosty starts possible in most places right through the weekend" Kerr warned.

With the winds settling down and plenty of fresh snow about, conditions on the ski fields of both Islands look set to be excellent this weekend. However, driving could continue to be dangerous with icy conditions lingering in some spots over the coming days. Motorists can check the status of roads via NZTA at: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/

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