The low pressure system sitting just on the east coast of Australia right now is still on track to deliver some wild weather over the country this weekend.

WeatherWatch.co.nz forecasters say heavy snow is now looking fairly likely about inland areas of the South Island from North Otago through to Marlborough particularly in the east and about the main divide, falling to 400m earlier on Saturday in southern regions of the risk area then lowering down to 500m later on Saturday about Marlborough. Snow could lower to 300m later on Saturday in southern regions of this heavy snow potential area however by then snow will be easing and clearing at night with heavy frosts by Sunday morning.

10 to 20cm of snow looks possible for North Otago and Canterbury above 400m, 20 to 50cm above 500m and 50 to 100cm above 800m. Marlborough could see 20 to 50cm above 1000m, 10 to 20cm above 600m and 5 to 10cm to 500m. 100cm of snow above 800m is unlikely and more of an outside chance but is conceivably possible. These estimates show the potential snow depths that may fall but either way you look at it WeatherWatch.co.nz forecasters note that people in the high country of the South Island should be aware of this incoming system.

The West Coast of the South Island will likely receive very heavy rain from afternoon on Friday then clearing on Saturday afternoon or evening, north of Buller will escape the heaviest falls. In the west of the North Island a burst of heavy rain is possible on Saturday morning and around midday however the likely hood of rain causing issues is unlikely.

Some heavy rain is likely on the east coast of the South Island also from North Otago through to about Christchurch on Saturday, up to 50mm on the coast for the day with 80mm more likely further inland.

As for the winds, very strong southeasterly winds gusting to gale force are likely about the main divide from Fiordland through to areas south of Hokitika on Saturday from midday then easing at night. Taranaki will get very strong northerlies on Saturday gusting to gale force. Wellington will get strong to gale southerlies developing overnight on Saturday then on Sunday strong to gale northwesterlies north of Taranaki in the west will give way to strong southwesterlies in the morning.

The Central North Island will not miss out on snow, above 800m will get some snow on Sunday from this system, particularly about the ski fields which will be welcome.

Homepage image / 1pm rain map – weathermap.co.nz

WeatherWatch.co.nz