With less than 24 hours to go a cold blast is expected to hit the country, starting in Southland early Saturday afternoon and heading northwards during the weekend.

Snow is expected to very low levels in Southland, Otago and Canterbury predicts WeatherWatch.co.nz with many roads affected by snow or hail.

Sleet is likely in Invercargill, Dunedin, Oamaru, Timaru, Ashburton, Christchurch, Kaikoura and Wellington on Sunday or Sunday night.

WeatherWatch.co.nz expects northern Southland and south Otago to be worst affect by snow, but the white stuff is also possible on Dunedin’s northern motorway and on Banks Peninsula during Sunday, plus alpine passes.

Snow may also affect back roads between North Canterbury and Marlborough on Sunday.

Snow is also possible on SH2 over the Rimutaka Ranges on Sunday afternoon or evening, and highly likely on SH1 over the Desert Road (quite possibly will be closed on Sunday night) and even SH5 Napier to Taupo.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says motorists are advised to take extreme care and be up to date with latest forecasts, road conditions and possible alternate routes before heading out.

Full details from 5am Sunday at WeatherWatch.co.nz